Abstract
Domestic environmental pollution resulting from urban livestock farming was investigated in Makurdi using parasitological techniques. The test tube flotation technique was used for the parasitological analysis of animal faecal matter and soil samples collected from residential premises. Ectoparasitic fauna of dogs, goats, sheep and cattle cohabiting with humans within the same residential compound were also collected and identified. The hand-picking and body brushing methods were employed to search for ticks, fleas, lice and mites. Of the 150 soil samples examined, 55 (36.7 %) were positive for 1 or more eggs of helminth parasites. There was no significant difference in the distribution of eggs in the soil samples from the 3 areas sampled (Chi2 = 0.046, df = 2, P > 0.05). Ascaris species were the dominant parasite eggs found. Of the 180 faecal samples examined, 107 (59.4 %) were positive for 1 or more eggs of helminth parasites. Chi-square analysis showed no significant difference in the level of infection of different animal faeces sampled (Chi2 = 5.74, df = 4, P > 0.05). Ascaris species were again the dominating helminth parasite eggs found. There was also no significant difference in the prevalence of helminth eggs in the animal faecal samples from the 3 areas sampled (Chi2 = 5.99, df = 4, P > 0.05). A total of 1908 ectoparasites was recovered (ticks: 32.80 %; lice: 22.43 %; fleas: 22.06 % and mite: 22.69 %). There was no significant difference in infestation animals between sexes (Chi2 = 0.10, df = 4, P > 0.05). The predominant genus encountered for ticks were Amblyomma, while Linognathus (43.90 %), Ctenocephalides (97.38 %) and Sarcoptes (58.89 %) were most predominant for lice, fleas and mites respectively. The public health implications of the findings, especially as these relate to the increasing incidence and prevalence of zoonotic infections, are discussed.
Highlights
In order to meet the ever-increasing demand for animal protein in Nigeria and at the same time generate additional income, most families in urban areas engage in livestock farming
The widespread contamination of residential compounds with eggs of animal helminth parasites observed in this study is epidemiologically significant
The viability of these parasite eggs under different environmental conditions is focal in the transmission of zoonotic diseases
Summary
In order to meet the ever-increasing demand for animal protein in Nigeria and at the same time generate additional income, most families in urban areas engage in livestock farming. The economic benefits of urban livestock farming notwithstanding, it is important to note that the practice of breeding cows, sheep, goats and pigs in and around human dwellings has increased human–animal contact, with serious zoonotic implications. Nwoke observed with distress that this association has made it possible for parasites and pathogens naturally harboured by these livestock (and hitherto restricted to animals) to commonly infect people[21,22]. Increase in the prevalence aDepartment of Biological Sciences, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria. BDepartment of Biological Sciences, University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Nigeria.
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