Studies on Dog Population in Makurdi, Nigeria (I): Demography and Survey of Pet Owners' Beliefs and Attitudes

A survey of dog population in some residential areas of Makurdi, Nigeria, was investigated using household census and street observation methods, while residents' dog-related attitudes and beliefs were investigated using a structured questionnaire. The average number of dogs per household was 1.43. Dog-human ratio in the study location was 1 dog to every 4 persons, in Wurukum residential area this was however less with the ratio of 1 dog to every 3 persons. There was no significant (X2 = 1.42, df = 1, P > 0.05) difference in the distribution of sexes of dogs. The difference between free roaming dogs and those restricted within residential compounds was also not statistically significant (X2 = 1.08, P > 0.05). A total of 198 (98.0%) respondents who owned dogs kept them as house guards and/or security alert; only 18.8% of dog owners kept them as pets. The variation in reasons for keeping dogs was significant (X2 = 12.1, P < 0.05). The majority of respondents who do not own dog (91.7%) said it was to avoid dog bites. A significant proportion of respondents (48.0%) who kept dog could not mention any dog disease or disease transmitted by dogs. The implications of these findings are very critical in the control of rabies and other dog-borne disease and mobilization of residents for more responsible dog ownership in Nigeria

Studies on Dog Population in Makurdi, Nigeria (II): A Survey of Ectoparasite Infestation and its Public Health Implications

This study investigated the current status of dog infestation by ectoparasites, compared infestation between stray and restricted dogs and investigated some beliefs and practices by dog owners in Makurdi. Ectoparasites were collected using the body brushing and hand-picking methods and identified by standard methods. Dog owners' attitude and perceptions were investigated using structured questionnaires. The prevalence of infestation with ectoparasites among male dogs was 31.5%, though this rate was higher when compared with female dogs that had infestation rate of 23.5%. The difference was not statistically significant (X2 = 11.4, df = 1, P > 0.05). Male dogs accounted for 57.8% of the total ectoparasites collected during this study. Stray dogs accounted for 56% of total dogs examined during this study and 58.3% of the ectoparasites were recovered from them. The infestation rates between stray and restricted dogs was statistically significant (X2 = 14, df =1, P<0.05). The relative abundance of Rhipicephalus species (53.5%) was statistically highest. Other species of ticks encountered were Boophilus (31.4%) and Amblyomma (8.4%). Lice and fleas recovered from the dogs during this study belong to Linognathus and Ctenocephalis species respectively. Of the dog-borne disease listed, rabies was the most frequently mentioned by 56% of respondents while only 5.2% mentioned tick infestation as potential health risk to dogs and humans. Bathing dogs with brush, soap and detergents (59.6%) was the most popular method of cleaning dogs in Makurdi. This study demonstrated that several dog owners in Makurdi do not have the adequate dog-care information that will protect the health of their pets and safe-guard human health

Epidemiological survey of canine babesiosis in Makurdi, Nigeria

The prevalence of Babesia canis and their tck vectors was investgated in Makurd 108 dogs were screened for Babesia canis and 208 dogs were examined for tick ectoparasites. 10.2 % o the dogswere positive for Babesia canis infecton. Chi square analysis showed no significant difference in infection rates in male and female dogs (X2 = 2.579, df = 1, P > 005). 75.9 % of dogs examined for ticks were infested with either Rhipicephalus, Boophilus and Amblyomma species or combination ofthe three. The paws were the most preferred site of attachmentfor the tcks. 126 (79.6 %) of the 158 inested dogs had ticks on the paw (X2 = 10.388, df = 4, P > 005). The publc health implications of these findings especially as relates to the increasing incidence and prevalence of dog borne zoonotic infections are discussed.Keywords: Babesia canis, Ticks, Public health ris

Perception, practices and health-seeking behaviour of lymphatic filarisis\' patients in some endemic communities in Benue State, Nigeria

Quantitative and qualitative studies to investigate lymphatic-filariasis-related perceptions, practices and health-seeking behaviour of patients was conducted in Benue State, Nigeria. Questionnaires, key informant, interviews and Matrix Ranking Exercises were employed to collect data. A total of 113 questionnaires administered to lymphatic filariasis\' patients comprised 78 (69.0%) male and 35 (31.0%) female were analysed. Gender variations in knowledge, attitudes and perception (KAP) were observed among the patients, these were however not significant (X2 = 5.91, df = 1, p > 0.05). Ranking exercise revealed preference of traditional medicine over modern medicine. Patients\' KAP and choice of health providers were influenced by prevailing traditional superstitious and socio-cultural norms in the community. Our result confirm the need and logic of integrating community heath education with emphasis on participatory learning and action methodologies into the intended mass drug administration (MDA) being considered for lymphatic filariasis elimination in Nigeria. Keywords: lymphatic filariasis, patients\' perception, health-seeking behaviour, Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (2) 2008: pp. 140-14

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths of faeces from in-door dogs and stray-dogs in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in dogs and dog faeces collected from streets in Makurdi, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July-September 2013. A total of 400 faecal samples viz 300 from household dogs and 100 from streets were collected and parasitologically screened using saline wet mount and faecal flotation technique. Questionnaire survey was also carried out among dog owners. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection in dogs, and in dog faeces collected from streets was 65.7% and 59.0% respectively. The five major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites identified in faecal samples of household dogs include: Ancylostoma spp (39.0%), Dipylidium spp (6.0%), Echinococcus spp (1.0%), Toxocara spp (0.7%), Trichuris vulpis (1.0%). The four major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites identified in faecal samples collected from streets are: Ancylostoma spp (44.0%), Dipylidium spp (2.0%), Toxocara spp (1.0%), Trichuris vulpis (1.0%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in infection prevalence between male and female dogs. Prevalence of helminth parasite was significantly higher (p<0.05) in adult dogs (13-24 months) than in young dogs (0-6 months). The local breed had a higher prevalence than the exotic breed and cross breed with a significant difference (p<0.05). Only 7% of dog owners in this study had awareness about canine zoonotic parasites. Due to the high prevalence of zoonotic canine gastro-intestinal helminths encountered and the low level of awareness of dog owners, there is need to educate dog owners and the public on these parasites as it will go a long way in their control.Keywords: prevalence, gastro-intestinal helminthes, faecal samples, dogs, street

Prevalence of malaria in relation to insecticide treated-nets usage in a rural and urban settlement in Benue State

Malaria prevalence in Obi and Makurdi Local Government Areas of Benue State was investigated from September, 2013 to January, 2014, by a random cross sectional selection of households. Finger prick method was used for sample collection and analyzed using the rapid diagnostic technique. Structured questionnaires were administered to obtain data on knowledge, attitude and perception on ITNs use. The data were analyzed using chi-square. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Out of the 412 persons examined, the prevalence of malaria was 15.5%. A higher prevalence of 21.7% was recorded among rural dwellers than 9.0% for urban dwellers. The difference was statistically significant (x2 Cal= 12.65, x2 tab =3.84, p<0.05). Males had a higher malaria prevalence rate of 15.6% than females 15.5%. Age-group 0-5 years had the highest prevalence of malaria of 42.9%, while age-group 21-25 years had the least rate of 7.7%. This was statistically significant. Consistent users of ITNs had the lowest malaria prevalence rate of 9.7%, compared to inconsistent and non-users with 21.1% and 14.6% respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (x2 Cal= 4.64, x2 tab =7.81, p>0.05). Ignorance had the highest frequency 142 (34.5%) for non-usage of ITNs. The study showed that malaria prevalence depends on the type of location as rural dwellers were more infected, also on consistent use of ITNs. The government should ensure strict monitoring of ITN usage in both urban and rural areas to follow up free distribution campaign programs.Keywords: malaria, ITN, rural, urban, consisten

A comparative study of chronic lymphatic filariasis-related knowledge, attitudes and perception among three ethnic groups in Benue State, Nigeria

The paucity of socio-cultural data and a lack of understanding and documentation of lymphatic filariasis. socio-economic consequences have led to a gross underestimation of its impact in Nigeria. However, to increase the success of elimination strategies, the socio-cultural understandings of affected community groups are pivotal in achieving sustainability, local participation and ownership. As part of an effort to encourage community participation in lymphatic filariasis eliminationactivities, we investigated lymphatic filariasis-related knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) of the three major ethnic groups in Benue State; Nigeria. Questionnaires were developed after preliminary interaction with community members and employed to investigate community KAP. Atotal of 1,610 questionnaires were analysed, the Tiv ethnic group accounted for47.0 %, the Idoma group was 37.1% and the Igede group 14.9%. There was a significant difference in ethnic perception of the cause of the disease, with 61.8% of the Igede respondents attributing the cause of the disease to stepping on charm compared to 47.1% and 36.8% of the Tiv and Idoma respondents respectively (X2 = 6.71, df = 2, p < 0.05). Only 19.5% of the Igede respondents correctly ticked mosquitoes as the cause of the disease compared to 36.2% and 56.6% of the Tiv and Idomarespondents respectively (p < 0.05). The Igede ethnic group appears to be more superstitious in their beliefs and perceptions. Several areas of community misconceptions, lack of knowledge or erroneous beliefs and practices were identified in this study. The communities. capacity to protect themselves is hindered by a lack of understanding of the causes, symptoms, transmission route, prevention and treatment of the disease. The challenge for the Nigerian Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programmeis to translate this information into practical ways of promoting and improving lymphatic filariasis prevention, control and management for individuals and communities

Study of chronic lymphatic filariasis Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Perception among Three Ethnic Groups in Benue State, Nigeria

The paucity of socio-cultural data and a lack of understanding and documentation of Lymphatic filariasis' socio-economic consequences have led to gross underestimation of its impact in Nigeria. However, to increase the success of elimination strategies, the socio-cultural understandings of affected community groups are pivotal in achieving sustainability, local participation and ownership. As part of an effort to encourage community participation in lymphatic filariasis elimination activities, lymphatic filariasis-related knowledge, attitude and perception (KAP) of the three major ethnic groups in Benue State in Nigeria were investigated. Questionnaires were constructed after preliminary interaction with community members and used to investigate community KAP. A total of 1,610 questionnaires were distributed and analysed. Tiv ethnic group accounted for 47.0 %, the Idoma group was 37.1% and the Igede group was 14.9%. There was a significant difference in ethnic group perception of the cause of the disease, with 61.8% of the Igede respondents attributing the cause of the disease to stepping on charm, compared to 47.1% and 36.8% of the Tiv and Idoma respondents respectively (X2 = 6.71, df = 2, P &lt; 0.05). Only 19.5% of the Igede respondents correctly indicated mosquitoes as the cause of the disease, compared to 36.2% and 56.6% of the Tiv and Idoma respondents respectively (P &lt; 0.05). The Igede ethnic group appeared to be more superstitious in beliefs and perceptions. Several areas of community misconceptions, lack of knowledge or erroneous beliefs and practices were identified in this study. The communities' capacity to protect themselves is hindered by a lack of understanding of the causes, symptoms, transmission route, prevention and treatment of the disease. It is recommended that the challenge for the Nigerian Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Programme should translate these findings to practical ways of promoting and improving lymphatic filariasis prevention, control and managements, for individuals and communities.Keywords: Lymphatic Filariasis, Ethnic GroupsNigerian Journal of Parasitology,Vol. 32 [1] March 2011, pp.135-14

Ecological Studies Of The Gastropod Fauna Of Some Minor Tributaries Of River Benue In Makurdi, Nigeria

No Abstract. Animal Research International Vol. 2 (2) 2005 pp. 306-31

Polyparasitism in tuberculosis patients and apparently healthy individuals in Benue State, Nigeria

Co-infection with intestinal parasites and tuberculosis infection is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality especially in resource poor countries in sub-Saharan Africa. A cross-sectional study in seven LGAs of Benue State was conducted to determine the prevalence of polyparasitism in tuberculosis patients and apparently healthy individuals. The TB patients were recruited from individuals already participating in the Directly Observed Short-course Treatment (DOTS) programme. These patients had varying degrees of tuberculosis severity and were categorized into scanty infection, light infection (1+), moderate infection (2+) and heavy infection (3+). Stool samples were examined using formal-ether concentration technique. A total of 661 tuberculosis patients were examined for intestinal parasites. 254 (38.4%) had at least one or more intestinal parasites. 153 (23.1%) of them harboured multiple parasites. However, of the 826 apparently healthy individuals, 333 (40.3%) were positive for at least one intestinal parasite. Out of these 333 positive individuals, 191 (23.1%) had multiple infections. Tarka Local Government Area had the highest prevalence (47%) of intestinal parasites which was significantly higher than Apa, the Local Government Area with the least prevalence of 17.7% parasitic infection, and this had no significant difference from the prevalence of multiple parasitism in the remaining six Local Government Areas sampled. On the whole; 1487 individuals were investigated, 557 (36.5%) had intestinal parasites and 364 (24.5%) had multiple parasitism. Eight different type of co-infections were encountered with the most frequent being hookworm and E. histolytica which was significantly higher than other types (p&lt; 0.05) and was consistently higher in male tuberculosis patients. The occurrence of these co infections increased significantly (p&lt; 0.05) with TB status of moderate (2+) to heavy infections (3+). The high prevalence of multiple intestinal parasites in tuberculosis patients poses a serious challenge to the current tuberculosis management strategy.Keywords: polyparasitism, tuberculosis, Benue State, Nigeri