Co-infection Dynamics of Canine Parasitic Diseases in Osun State, Nigeria: A Retrospective Approach
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Abuja, Abuja, Nigeria
Abstract
Multiple parasitic co-infections are a normal occurrence in animals. A ten year (2006-2015) data
of parasitic diseases diagnosed in the major Veterinary clinics in Osun state was collected and
subjected to statistical analysis. The prevalence of parasitic diseases co-infection, the
epidemiological risk factors and the Spearman's correlation coefficient associated with parasitic
diseases co-infection was carried out to determine the dynamics of canine parasitic diseases in
Osun State. A significant number of dogs were diagnosed with two or more parasitic infections at
the same time. Exotic breed of dogs recorded a significant (P<0.05) lower prevalence of parasitic
disease co-infections compared to indigenous and cross breeds. Young dogs were more prone to
multiple parasite co-infections compared to growing and adult dogs. There was no significant
difference (P>0.05) within gender as it pertains to multiple parasitic diseases co-infection. Higher
number of parasite co-infections was recorded during the wet season than the dry season. There
was a positive correlation between the occurrence of tick infestation with babesiosis, and tick
infestation with ehrlichiosis. There is need for an improved Veterinary medical attention and
hygienic practices given to dogs in the study area as multiple parasitic diseases co-infection could
cause severe and adverse effect on the health, reproduction and performance of dogs.
Description
Keywords
Canine parasitic conditions, Co-infections, Epidemiology, Osun State, Veterinary