A study of the prevalence of ecto and endo parasites of Nile Rat <i>Arvicanthis niloticus</i> Dismarest (1822) in rural areas of Benue State, Nigeria for successful domestication of the species

Abstract

This study examined the type and abundance of Ecto and Endo parasites of Nile rat (Arvicanthis niloticus) in rural areas of Benue State. A total of 400 rats (average of 100 for each location) were systematically captured from the wild in four locations namely, Makurdi, Gwer West, Guma and Kwande Local Government Areas (L.G.A) of Benue State for the entire studies on the captive rearing of Nile rats. However, only 10 % of the captured rats from each location were subjected to parasite isolation procedures in accordance with standard methods. The number of each parasite isolated and identified from each location were recorded and documented as findings of the study. Results revealed that four ecto parasites (Lice,Termite, Soft Tick and Hard Tick) were prevalent in all the locations considered. Similarly, three endo parasites (Hook Worm, Tape Worm and Myosis) were isolated from the rats in all locations. In general Lice (17%) and Tick (13%) were observed to be dominant ecto parasite for each location, while Tape worm (21%) and Myosis (7%) were observed to be the dominant endo parasites of feral Nile rats in the study area. For successful and healthy domestication of the Nile rats, the present study concludes that adequate attention must be given towards the control of both the ecto and endo parasites of captive reared Nile rats.

Keywords: Nile rats, Ecto parasite, Endo parasite, prevalence, wild, Benue state