Endoparasitic Infections and the Associated Risk Factors in Trade Donkeys (Equus Asinus) in Ganawuri District Market, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria
Endoparasitic Infections and the Associated Risk Factors in Trade Donkeys (Equus Asinus) in Ganawuri District Market, Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria
Bata Shalangwa Ishaku1, Batim Turdam1, Maimadu Abdullahi1, Waziri Ibrahim Anjili2 and Mayowa Olabode2
ABSTRACT
A cross-sectional study design was carried out between November 2017 and May 2018 to determine the prevalence and risk factors for endoparasitic infections in donkeys at Ganawuri district market, Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. Fecal and blood samples were collected from 300 donkeys and analyzed using a standard laboratory procedure. Coprological examination conducted using flotation and sedimentation techniques showed that 276 (92.0%) were positive for gastrointestinal nematodes. A greater proportion (70.7%) of the nematodes were Strongyles followed by mixed infection of Strongyles and Parasacaris equorum (15.2%) and Strongyloides westeri (14 1%). Chi-square test and odds ratio were used to analyzed data obtained. The prevalence of the gastrointestinal nematodes was not found to be associated with factors such as sex, age and location with p= values of 0.57, 0.20 and 0.50 respectively. The prevalence ranges between 22.2% and 48.9% across the types of management practice with those managed extensively having the highest (p=0.001). Gastrointestinal nematodes infection was significantly associated with the body condition of the donkeys with the highest prevalence in those with poor body condition (p=0.03). Of the blood samples collected, 108 (36.0%) were positive for hemoparasites. The hemoparasites identified were Trypanosoma congolense, Trypanosoma vivax, Babesia cabali and Babesia equi. Greater proportions (50.0%) of the hemoparasites were Babesia spp. followed by Trypanosoma spp. (36.1%) and mixed infection of Trypanosoma spp. and Babesia spp (13.9%). The prevalence rate of hemoparasitic infections in donkeys was significantly associated with the sex, age, body conditions, and management systems. The prevalence ranges between 25.9% and 47.4% across body conditions (p=0.001; OR=23.1) and was higher (52.6%) in males than in females (25.8%) (p=0.006; OR=7.303). The prevalence rate based on the source of origin of the donkeys did not show any significant difference but was higher in those from Yobe state (p=0.06). Lower range (21%-29%) of packed cell volume was found in donkeys positive for haemoparasites with a mean value of 25.56± 2.63 than in those that were negative (38.44±5.80) (p<0.001). Donkeys brought to Ganawuri district market have high parasite burden with attendant effect on their body condition. Improved management system and routine strategic control measures such as screening and treatment of infected animals are therefore recommended.
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