PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES AND THEIR EFFECTS ON THE HAEMATOLOGICAL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL VALUES IN INFECTED ONE HUMPED CAMEL (CAMELUS DROMEDARIUS) IN THE SEMI- ARID REGION OF SOKOTO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and their effects on the haematological and serum biochemical profiles in the dromedary camels in semi- arid region of northern Nigeria (12⁰N, 700 to 800mm annual rainfall). The study included apparently healthy 208 camels made up of 116 (55.8%) males and 92 (44.2%) females of varying age groups from seventy three 73 herds in seven Local Government Areas which were further categorized into border (Illela, Gada and Tangaza) and non-border (Gwadabawa, Kware and Goronyo) to Niger Republic and a municipal abattoir (Sokoto North) from Sokoto State. The four genetic strains of camels available were sampled (Ja, baki, bule and kurri). Faecal samples were taken through rectum and examined using floatation and sedimentation techniques for gastrointestinal oocysts/ parasites and
their effects on blood profiles. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections was 29.3%. Five gastrointestinal oocysyt/ parasites detected were coccidian ‘sp’ (n= 10 or 16.4%), Strongyle ‘sp’ (n=24 or 39.3%), Oxyuris ‘sp’ (n=14 or 23.0%), Trichuris ‘sp’ (n=12 or 19.7%) and Ostertagia ‘sp’ (n=1or1.60%) and there were no multiple infections seen. There was significant
increase (P < 0.05) in the value of eosinophils. There was also a statistical significant difference between infected and non-infected camels with significant increase in the values of Na+, Cl- and HCO3-. This study gives an indication of some of the common animal health challenges usually encountered under the extensive camel production system in a semi- arid zone of Nigeria and the need for effective animal health care.