PREVALENCE OF ECTOPARASITES INFESTATION OF DOGS IN IKPOBA OKHA AND EGOR LGA, BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT

This study conducted an assessment of ectoparasite prevalence in dogs residing in the Egor and Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Areas of Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, utilizing combing and hand-picking methods for examination. A total of 31 dogs were examined for this study, with the results revealing a substantial infestation rate of 64.51%, affecting 20 of the examined dogs. Remarkably, a notable gender disparity emerged, with females exhibiting a significantly higher infestation rate of 70.58% and a mean intensity of 6.58±6.6. Additionally, the study observed that dogs aged 16-24 months were more susceptible to ectoparasite infestation in comparison to those in the 3-15 months and 25-37 months age groups. Among the identified ectoparasites, ticks dominated, comprising the exclusive ectoparasite group found during the study. Boophilus sp. emerged as the most prevalent tick species, accounting for 51.61% of cases and displaying a mean intensity of 6.25±6.60, representing the highest prevalence and mean intensity among all identified ectoparasites. Dermacentor sp. followed closely behind with a prevalence of 45.16%, while Rhipicephalus sp. and Ctenocephalides canis shared a prevalence of 12.90%. Furthermore, the study documented Ctenocephalides Canis as the sole flea species affecting the dogs, with a low occurrence of Haemaphysalis sp. Notably, the prevalence of ectoparasites varied among different dog populations, with stray dogs exhibiting a higher prevalence rate of 83.33%, contrasted by confined dogs at 52.63%. The mean intensity of infestation in stray dogs was recorded at 8.1±6.56, whereas confined dogs had a mean intensity of 8.0±8.83.