Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in one humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at the Maiduguri metropolitan abattoir, Borno State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to elucidate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in one humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) slaughtered at the Maiduguri Metropolitan abattoir, Borno State, between the months of January to June 2015. Out of the 202 fecal samples collected from camels of both sexes and analyzed for the prevalence of segments, worms or oocyts of gastrointestinal parasites of camels. The overall prevalence of 69.3% was recorded, Strongyle eggs 83 (41.1%) was the most dominant, followed by Strongyloides species 19 (9.5%), Coccidia 15 (7.4%), Trichuris species 9 (4.5 %), Ciliates 7 (3.5%), Fasciola species 2 (0.9%), Monezia species 2 (0.9%), Balantidium species 1 (0.5%), Amphistomes species 1 (0.5%) and Ascaris 1 (0.5%) respectively. Prevalent rate was higher in female 81 (40.10%) compared to the male camels 59 (29.21%). Prevalence was also found to be higher in adult 96 (47.50%) compared to young camels 44 (21.78). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites are more frequent in camels in slim body condition score 82 (40.49%) compared to camels in good body condition 58 (28.71%). It was concluded that gastrointestinal parasites of various species are still common amongst trade camels in the study area. This may constitute a major health and economic problem in the camel production in the arid and semi-arid northeastern Nigeria.