J. Kamani1, A.U. Turaki3, G.O. Egwu2, A.U. Mani2, S.M. Kida3, J.G. Abdullahi3, M.S. Damina2, H.A. Kumshe2 and G.I. Dogo1
1Parasitology Division, National Veterinary Research Institute, PMB 01, Vom Plateau State, Nigeria
2Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria
3NVRI Laboratory, Maiduguri Outstation, Borno State, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
A coprological examination was conducted on 528 camels slaughtered at Maiduguri abattoir to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of camels in the semi-arid region of Nigeria. Faecal samples were examined by saturated sodium chloride solution floatation and sedimentation methods. Six genera of nematodes, 2 of cestode and one each of trematodes and coccidian were detected. Haemonchus, Esophagostomum and Trichstrongylus spp were most prevalent. An overall prevalence of 68.9% was recorded in all animals examined. More male (n=319 or 60.4%) than female camels (n=208 or 39.4%) were slaughtered during the period of this investigation. Of the positive samples 219 (58.2%) had single parasite infection while 145 (41.8%) had multiple infection. More females (82.8%) harboured helminths than male (59.8%). Most male (71.7%) camels had single infection compared to female 47.4%. There was a positive correlation between prevalence of parasite eggs with age of camels; e.g. 65.2, 68.3 and 79.8% for 3-6, 7-10 years and those over 10 years, respectively. Nematodes accounted for 80.8% of the single infection while trematodes and cestodes each accounted for 9.6%. Intestinal protozoa, Eimeria spp as single infection accounted for 1.3% of examined animals.
Key words: Abattoir, camels , gastrointestinal parasites, Nigeria, prevalence
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