PREVALENCE OF ZOONOTIC HELMINTHS IN DOGS AND ASSOCIATED PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS IN GUYUK LGA, ADAMAWA STATE, NIGERIA
Keywords:
zoonotic parasites, helminths, dogs, prevalence, canine, Adamawa stateAbstract
Zoonotic helminth infections in dogs remain a neglected public health concern in rural Nigeria, yet baseline data for targeted interventions are lacking. This study determined the prevalence of zoonotic helminths in dogs and assessed associated public health risks in Guyuk Local Government Area, Adamawa State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across ten wards, combining parasitological examination of 373 dog faecal samples (190 domestic, 183 stray) using flotation and sedimentation techniques with structured questionnaire administration. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests. The findings indicated that the overall helminth prevalence was 42.6% (159/373). Stray dogs had significantly higher infection rates (52.5%) than domestic dogs (33.2%; χ²=14.82, p<0.05). Four zoonotic species were identified: Toxocara canis (32.7%), Ancylostoma caninum (29.6%), Dipylidium caninum (21.4%), and Echinococcus granulosus (16.3%). Toxocara predominance was attributed to its environmentally resistant eggs and vertical transmission. Prevalence showed no significant variation across wards (p>0.05). Improper faecal disposal was significantly associated with higher infection (54.4% vs 29.8%; χ²=16.57, p<0.05). th study concluded that Zoonotic helminths are moderately endemic in Guyuk LGA, with free-roaming dogs and poor waste disposal sustaining transmission. The co-occurrence of Toxocara and Ancylostoma creates dual exposure risks for humans. Integrated control should prioritize regular deworming, restricting stray dog access to refuse, and community education, with Echinococcus monitoring maintained despite its low prevalence.
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