Incidences of Haemoparasites in Dogs in Ikwuano Local Government Area of Abia State

Nwoha Rio

doi:10.4172/2157-7579.1000141

Abstract

Out of 503 dogs samples analyzed 104 were males and 303 females and out of these 359 (71.4%) were positive for haemoparasites. Babesia spps (94.4%) had the highest prevalence compared to Trypanosomes 5.0% and Anaplasma spps 45.0%. Most of the dogs had mixed infections of Babesia and Anaplasma spps. The prevalence was higher in females 76.3% compared to males 54.0%. Out of the areas sampled, MOUAU community had 20.0%, Oboro 91.4%, Oloko 8.0%, Ibere 18.0%, Ariam 59.0% and Usaka 58.3%. The highest prevalence was recorded in December (90.0%), March (83.3%) and November (83.3%) whilst the remainder of the months had April (77.1%); May (70.0%); June (68.0%); July (63.3%) and August (53.1%). There were significant decreases in the PCV and Hb of the infected groups.

Highlights

Several haemoparasites of dogs causes diseases of public health importance
There was a substantial prevalence 359(71.4%) of Trypanosomes, Babesia and Anaplasma species in dogs in Ikwuano L.G.A. of Abia state as observed from the result of the study (Table 1). This was higher than 23.33% observed by Obeta et al [12] in Abuja. This emphasizes the need for proper health management and Veterinary care of dogs within this area
Trypanosomes are of interest considering the acute nature of the disease compared to babesiosis and anaplasmosis in dogs

Summary

Introduction

Several haemoparasites of dogs causes diseases of public health importance. Apart from Trypanosomosis, dogs are constantly challenged by other haemoparasites such as Babesiosis and Anaplasmosis which causes anaemia. Babesiosis is one of the most important haemoparasites of animals [3], including dogs. The disease is found throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North America and America where it affects dogs [4]. Reports on the incidences of haemoparasites in dogs have been made in several continents of the world. Barker et al [6] recorded a prevalence of 44% in stray dogs in Australia comprising amongst others 20(51%) Anaplasma platys and 17(44%) Babesia vogeli. Paucity of information on incidences of haemoparasites of dogs in Ikwuano L.G.A. of Abia State prompted this research

Materials and Methods

Result

Findings

Discussion