Canine Echinococcosis in Hunting and Companion Dogs in Oyo State, Nigeria: The Public Health Significance

Canine echinococcosis is a parasitic cestode infection of public health importance. The present study was carried out to determine the seroprevalence of canine echinococcosis in both rural hunting and urban companion dogs in Oyo State, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty five (155) canine sera were tested for the presence of Echinococcus antigen using the direct enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Dogs sampled were grouped into young (< 1year) and adult ( 1 year). The sex of each dog was also considered. Total prevalence recorded was 9.68% (15/155). There was statistical significant difference (p< 0.05) between sera of hunting (15.73%) and companion dogs (1.52%). Prevalence in adult was 12.40% while there was 0.00% prevalence in the young dogs sampled and this was found to be significant. There was no association between sex and prevalence of canine echinococcosis. The result of the study confirms current infection of canine echinococcosis in the state and the need to put workable control measures in place so as to prevent a public health disaster.