Abstract

Aim: The aim of study was to determine the prevalence of haemoparasites of dogs and its asscociated risks factors in Maiduguri, North eastern, Nigeria.  

Method and materials: A total of 105 blood samples were collected from dogs and the blood was transferred into sample bottles containing EDTA as anticoagulant. The samples (n=105) were examined in parasitology laboratory using wet mount, Thin blood smear, buffy coat technique. The prevalence was calculated for all the data as the number of infected dogs divided by total number of dogs examined and was expressed in percentage by multiplying by 100. The analysis of data was done using Graph Pad Prism Version 5.

Results: This study revealed an overall prevalence of 19(18.0%) of haemoparasites from dogs in Maiduguri with Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis 14(13.3%) and 5(4.7%) respectively. For age category 68 dogs sampled were less than 1 year with a prevalence of 5 (7.3%) while 37 were above 1 year with a prevalence of 14(37%). For Sex 60 male were sampled and had a prevalence of 13(21.6%) and 55 female sampled had a prevalence of 6 (10.9%). For the management practice 78 of the dogs were indoor dogs who had a prevalence of 8(10.2%) and 27 outdoor dogs with a prevalence of 11(40.7%).

Conclusion: It was concluded that Babesia canis and Ehrlichia canis are prevalent in the study area and could affect dogs irrespective of age, sex, management practice and location. Therefore, priorities should be given to these risks factors while implementing control measures.

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