Tick-Borne Parasites of Local Dogs (Mongrels) (Canis familiaris) in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Abstract:
Tick-borne diseases (TBD) are major challenge to animal production and health in Nigeria. They threaten domestic animal wellbeing thus leading to economic loss. Therefore, this research looked at tick-borne parasites in local dogs (mongrels), in Wamba Local Government Area (LGA) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Two hundred and fifty-two (252) dogs were randomly examined for ticks and haemoparasites. Haemolymph and thin blood smears were used for parasitological examination. A total of 648 ticks were collected from the dogs screened. One hundred per cent (100%; 648 ticks) of dog and-non-dog ticks Rhipicephalus sanguineus Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus), respectively, screened were found to be positive for Babesia parasite which was at various developmental stages in which the blastokinete proportion was the most dominant, yet differences was not significant (χ2 = 3.1307, df = 2, P = 0.209). Out of the 252 dogs screened, 201 individuals (79.8%) were infected by only Babesia parasite spread across puppies 39 (76.5%), adolescents 26 (100.0%) and adults 136 (77.7%). However, Babesia prevalence variations across age groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). On the minimum, over 77% of the dogs examined had their haematological indices within the normal range. The results in this study shows that Babesia is common in dogs in Wamba LGA of Nasarawa State. Also, despite the high rate of parasitemia, the dogs were asymptomatic and anaemia was not significantly made manifest in the dogs in this study. In conclusion, it is recom mended that dog owners should get their dogs vaccinated as well as regularly clean dog kennel and trim the grasses around their houses so as to limit tick-dog contact.
