Comparison of gastrointestinal helminthes in dogs and awareness of zoonotic infection among dog owners in calabar, South Eastern Nigeria

A comprehensive study was carried out from October 2012 to November 2013 in dogs attending veterinary clinic and household dogs, to determine the prevalence status of gastrointestinal helminthes in both groups in order to intensify control measures of zoonotic helminthes in Calabar, South Eastern Nigeria. Prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes eggs detected in dogs attending veterinary clinic and household dogs were Ancylostoma caninum 49.51% and 35.71%, Diplylidium caninum 36.0% and 28.57%, Toxocara canis 7.83% and 18.75%, Ascaris species 3.33%, and 10.71% Taenia canis 0.98% and 0.00%, Coccidia oocyst 1.57% and 0.00% and Trichuris vulpis 0.78% and 6.25% respectively. There was no statistical significant difference (P < 0.05) in helminth infections between age groups, sex and breed of dogs in 2013. The age group, breed, restricted and unrestricted movement of dogs in 2011-2012 significantly affected the prevalence of zoonotic parasites (P < 0.001), Dogs in 2011-2012 study group were found more likely to be parasitized and presented higher infection rates than household dogs in 2013. In view of the persistent A. caninum, T. canis and D. caninum infection of dogs in 2013, there is an urgent need to intensify control intervention in this community to reduce transmission of zoonotic helminths.