Short Communication: Prevalence of Intestinal Helminths of Dag (<i>Canis familaris</i>) in Some New Layouts of Sokoto Metropolis

Abstract

Various classes of animals can be termed pets; these include mammals, birds, reptiles, fishes and even some invertebrates (Gruffra et al., 2000; Koler-Matznick, 2002; Zeder, 2008). But canines, especially dog is one of the longest known domesticated pet animal (Lassey et al., 2011). The reason for keeping dogs, their values and veterinary care varies according to the culture, status, social interest and economic activities of people (Oboegbulam, et al., 1989).

In Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria, there is no prospect for keeping dogs as pet in the old city where religion and cultural practices frowns at such practice. However, in the new layout with increasing awareness on the use of dogs for security purposes, demand for dogs is on the increase and this is of public health significance in view of dogs’ involvement in the transmission of zoonotic parasites. A large number of the dogs’ are kept in confinement while some are kept semi intensively which promotes straying of dogs. There is high proportion of gastro-intestinal parasites in Nigerian dogs (Olufemi and Bobade, 1979; Fabiyi, 1983; Mafiana et al., 1993) and this is of great concerned.

The progressive increase in dog population and the ultimate contamination of environment with dog faeces stimulated our interest in investigating the occurrence of gastro-intestinal helminths of dogs in the study area. It is believed that the result of this work will create awareness on the occurrence of the gastro-intestinal helminths of dogs in the study area and the need for functional veterinary care for the dogs.

Keywords: Dogs, intestinal helminths, layouts, prevalence, Sokoto