Incidence of microfilaria in dogs in Southern Nigeria

Abstract

A study of the incidence of microfilaria in blood of dogs presented at the University of Nigeria Veterinary Teaching Hospital (UNVTH) Nsukka, and Enugu Veterinary Clinic showed that nine (4.5 %) of the 200 dogs examined were positive. Microfilaria identified were those of Dirofilaria repens and Dipetalonema reconditum. Infections were highest in male dogs, and in dogs between one to two years of age. The Doberman Pinscher had the highest infection and the Nigerian local dogs the least. These findings are pertinent in view of the increasing clinical/zoonotic importance of canine filariasis and the dearth of information on this subject from Southern Nigeria.