Prevalence of Tongue Worm (Linguatula serrata) in Dogs Slaughtered in Jos-south Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria

Aim: The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of tongue worm (Linguatula serrata) in dogs slaughtered at Bukuru dog market, Jos-South Local Government Area (L.G.A).

Study Design: The study was cross-sectional in which only indigenous dogs meant for slaughter were examined. A total of 230 dogs were randomly selected for the presence of pentastomid parasite. Parameters such as age and sex of the dogs were noted during sampling.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out at Bukuru dog market, Jos-South L.G.A. of Plateau State, Nigeria from May to July, 2017.

Methodology: Buccal (sublingual) examination was used to identify the parasites.

Result: A total of 111 dogs were positive representing an overall prevalence of 48.26%. Based on age, the prevalence among puppies (young) dogs was 55.45% while that of the adult was 41.67%. Based on sex, the prevalence among female dogs was 50.86% while that of the males was 45.61%. The association between puppies and adults was statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05) while based on sex, there was no significant difference.

Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of linguatuliasis in the study area and adequate preventive measures should be ensured by dog owners and handlers to avoid the transmission of this parasitic zoonosis among humans, dogs and other intermediate hosts.