Prevalence Of Toxocara Canis In Dogs, Acase Study At The University Of Jos Vertinary Teaching Hospital

Author : Matur Bernard Malau, Jonathan Chukwunoye Caleb

Abstract :Toxocara canis is an ascarid nematode primarily infecting domestic dogs and wild canids. In Nigeria, high prevalence of Toxocara canis have been reported in both controlled and strayed dogs. The prevalence rates vary according to geographical location, age, housing conditions, and healthcare management history. The disease toxocariasis, is a serious parasitic disease that can spread from animals to humans (a zoonosis). It is common but often ignored, especially in developing countries where veterinary care and disease monitoring are not well espoused. This study was carried out at the Veterinary teaching hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigeria, located between Latitude 80° 24°N and Longitude 80´32´and 100°38´ east of the Greenwich meridian. Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Jos Animal Use Research Ethics Committee (Protocol UJ/VTH/2024/113). All samples were collected without inflicting pain harm on the animal (dogs). Fecal samples were obtained from Dogs including both clinically healthy and sick individuals. Breeds ranged from Nigerian indigenous types to exotic breeds (Rottweiler, German Shephered, Lhassa, Bull Mastif and Caucasian, and crossbreeds). The salt flotation technique was employed to detect the presence of Toxocara canis eggs in the fecal samples. The disease was more prevalent among the local indigenous breeds 50% infection rate than the exotic breeds (German Shephard 15%, Bull Mastif 12% and Caucasian cross breed 23%). The high infection rates recorded in the local breeds is not unconnected to its free management system and lack of proper care as is found in the exotic breeds Chi-square statistic shows significant difference in the rates of infection amongst the different breeds

Keywords :Toxocara canis, Infection, Dogs, Breeds.

Conference Name :International Conference on Emerging Trends in Agriculture, Veterinary and Life Sciences (ICETAVLS-25)

Conference Place Benin, Nigeria

Conference Date 13th Aug 2025