Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites among the Trade Donkeys in Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

A prevalence study was carried out to determine the gastrointestinal parasites among trade donkeys brought to the three major donkey markets of Alkaleri, Bauchi and Soro in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 116 donkeys comprising of 69 Idabari, 24 Duni and 23 Auraki breeds were randomly selected and examined for gastrointestinal parasitic ova using flotation technique. The results of this study revealed that Idabari, had 39 (56.52%) cases of mixed infection, 8 (11.59%) cases of Strongyloides, 6(8.70%) cases of Dictyocaulus, while Trichonema and Strongyles were seen in 5(7.25%) and 4(5.80%) donkeys respectively. In the Duni breed 14(58.33%) had mixed infections, 2(8.33%) had Strongyles and 1(4.17%) had Strongyloides species. Dictyocaulus and Trichonema species were however not seen. On the other hand Auraki breed however, had mixed infections of 16(69.57%) and 3(13.04%) cases of Strongyles species while Strongyloides, Dictyocaulus and Trichonema species were seen as 1(4.35%) case each. The result further indicated that location and breed of donkeys did not play significant role (p>0.05) on the prevalence of infection. It was concluded that gastrointestinal parasites abound in all the three breeds of donkeys from the study area. The control by anthemintic medication and management would improve the welfare and performance of donkeys especially when the entire health and nutritional needs of donkeys were considered.