Co-infection Dynamics of Canine Parasitic Diseases In Osun State, Nigeria: A Retrospective Approach.

Abstract

Multiple parasitic co-infections are a normal occurrence in animals. A ten year (2006-2015) data of parasitic diseases diagnosed in the major Veterinary clinics in Osun state was collected and subjected to statistical analysis. The prevalence of parasitic diseases co-infection, the epidemiological risk factors and the Spearman’s correlation coefficient associated with parasitic diseases co-infection was carried out to determine the dynamics of canine parasitic diseases in Osun State. A significant number of dogs were diagnosed with two or more parasitic infections at the same time. Exotic breed of dogs recorded a significant (P<0.05) lower prevalence of parasitic disease co-infections compared to indigenous and cross breeds. Young dogs were more prone to multiple parasite co-infections compared to growing and adult dogs. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) within gender as it pertains to multiple parasitic diseases co-infection. Higher number of parasite co-infections was recorded during the wet season than the dry season. There was a positive correlation between the occurrence of tick infestation with babesiosis, and tick infestation with ehrlichiosis. There is need for an improved Veterinary medical attention and hygienic practices given to dogs in the study area as multiple parasitic diseases co-infection could cause severe and adverse effect on the health, reproduction and performance of dogs.