ABS1RACT
The prevalence and epidemiology of intestinal
parasites of wild vertebrates and captive animals Si are neglected mostly in
developing countries. Some of'this parasites are zoonotic and can cause death
to both human and other animals. This study was to determine the prevalence of
intestinal parasite of wild Giant rat and Squirrel in Okpatu community of Enugu
state. One hundred and thirty three (133) rodents which include 102 Giant rat
and 31 Squirrel were used for the study. Samples were collected fi*om the
hunters and meat vendors, which were analyzed using sedimentation technique.
Parasites recovered were Strongyloide ratti(21.05%), Trichuris muris (12.78%),
Ascaris sp. (9.02%), Toxocara sp. (5.26%), Hymenolepis nana(3.76%) and Giardia
cluoclencilis (2.26%). An overall prevalence of 57.84% was recorded for the
Giant rat and 41.94% are S ongyloides ratti 22(21.57%), Trichuri muris
12(11.76%), Ascaris Sp. 10(9.80%). Toxocara Sp. 7(6.86%), Hymenolepis nana
5(4.90%) and Giardia cluoclencilis 3(2.94%) were recorded fi*om the Giant rat
while in squirrel, Toxocara Sp. 6(19.35%). Sfron^loides ratti 5(16.13%),
Trichuri muris 4(4.90%), and Ascaris Sp. 2(6.45%) were also recorded. The
female Giant rat were more infected 36(35.29%) than the male 23(22.55%). also
the female Squirrel, were more infected 8(25.81%) than the male 5(6.13%). Mixed
infection of Strongyloide ratti. Trichuris muris, Ascaris sp., Toxocara sp.,
Hymenolepis nana and Giardia cluodenalis occurred in Giant rats, while mixed
infection of Strongyloide ratti and Trichuris muris occurred in SqiuiTel.
Giardia duodenalis (2.26%) is the only protozoa parasite discovered in this
study while Strongyloide ratti (21.05%) is the most prevalent in this study. A
total of 46 questionnaires on the Icnowledge, attitude and perception of the
intestinal parasites of Giant rat and Squirrel was distributed among hunters
and meat vendors at the study area. The result of 36 questionnaires recovered
showed that many 29(80.56%) meat vendors do not properly wash their hands after
processing the meat, all 36(100%) of them do not screen the animal for
parasites before domestication, some 4(11.11%) meat vendors eat the meat
undercooked, all 36(100%) the meat vendors do not wear hand gloves while
handling the animal and most 4(11.11) of the meat vendors do not dispose their
droppings properly. Hence, eating of undercooked meats of wild animals, poor
personal and environmental practices could lead to transmission of intestinal
parasites to hunters, meat vendors and other consumers. High personal,
environmental hygienic practices and proper handling or management of wild
rodents were recommended.
AKUEME, A (2023). Intestinal Parasites Of Wild Squirrel And Giant Rat In Okpatu Village, Enugu State. Mouau.afribary.org: Retrieved Dec 23, 2024, from https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/intestinal-parasites-of-wild-squirrel-and-giant-rat-in-okpatu-village-enugu-state-7-2
AKUEME, AKUEME. "Intestinal Parasites Of Wild Squirrel And Giant Rat In Okpatu Village, Enugu State" Mouau.afribary.org. Mouau.afribary.org, 28 Jul. 2023, https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/intestinal-parasites-of-wild-squirrel-and-giant-rat-in-okpatu-village-enugu-state-7-2. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
AKUEME, AKUEME. "Intestinal Parasites Of Wild Squirrel And Giant Rat In Okpatu Village, Enugu State". Mouau.afribary.org, Mouau.afribary.org, 28 Jul. 2023. Web. 23 Dec. 2024. < https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/intestinal-parasites-of-wild-squirrel-and-giant-rat-in-okpatu-village-enugu-state-7-2 >.
AKUEME, AKUEME. "Intestinal Parasites Of Wild Squirrel And Giant Rat In Okpatu Village, Enugu State" Mouau.afribary.org (2023). Accessed 23 Dec. 2024. https://repository.mouau.edu.ng/work/view/intestinal-parasites-of-wild-squirrel-and-giant-rat-in-okpatu-village-enugu-state-7-2