PREVALENCE OF DIROFILARIA INFECTION IN DOGS IN IBADAN, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abiola J. O., Adejumobi O. A.*, Olakojo T., Ajani T. F., Ishola O. M., Omobowale T. O., Nottidge, H. O., Adejinmi J. O.

ABSTRACT

Seroprevalence of Dirofilaria immitis in dog was carried out for 6 months between January and June 2021 in
Ibadan, South Western Nigeria. Serum samples from 100 dogs brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and
State Veterinary Hospital for treatment were screened for D. immitis using ELISA kit (Antigen Animal Genetic
Inc., Korea). Of the 100 dogs sampled 20 (20%) were positive for D. immitis. Local dogs had the highest
prevalence of 17 (32.7%) followed by exotic breed (Alsatians) 3 (25%). The prevalence was higher in female dogs
than male counterparts as 11 out of 37 (29.72%) female dogs were positive while 9 out of 63 (14.29%) male dogs
sampled were positive. Younger dogs that were less than one year were more susceptible than the adults older than
one year. Other exotic breed of dogs including Dobberman, Rottweiler, Dachshund, Boerboel, Samoyed examined
in this study were negative for D. immitis. The results showed that dirofilariasis is prevalent in dogs in Ibadan,
South western Nigeria, this calls for a public health intervention to reduce or totally eliminate the disease.
Deworming regularly with effective anthelminthic agents such as Ivermectin or Melarsomine at the right dosage is
recommended.

Keywords: Prevalence, Dirofilaria immitis, Dogs, Ibadan.