The Gastrointestinal Helminth Parasites of Freshwater Fishes in Kaduna Metropolis, Kaduna State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56147/jbhs.2.6.87Keywords:
- Gastrointestinal helminth,
- Parasites,
- Freshwater,
- Fish,
- Kaduna River,
- Nigeria
Abstract
Parasitic infections are a major challenge for fish farmers in developing countries, leading to reduced growth, increased mortality and compromised fish welfare. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in freshwater fishes from Kaduna Metropolis, Nigeria. A total of 273 fish were collected from three points along the Kaduna River between January and June 2022. Fish were identified and morphometric data (weight, standard length) were recorded. The gastrointestinal tract of each fish was dissected and examined for helminths using standard parasitological techniques. Eight fish species were identified: Bagrus bayad (n=5), Bagrus docmak (n=27), Bagrus occidentalis (n=39), Clarias gariepinus (n=2), Labeo coubie (n=40), Labeo senegalensis (n=29), Mormyrus rume (n=83) and Oreochromis niloticus (n=48). The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection was 50.9% (139/273). Six helminth genera were identified: Contracaecum spp. (36.0%), Capillaria spp. (24.0%), Diphyllobothrium spp. (25.0%), Clinostomum spp. (10.0%), Camallanus spp. (4.0%) and ProCamallanus spp. (1.0%). Prevalence varied significantly among fish species (χ²=5.88, p=0.015), with C. gariepinus having the highest rate (100%). Infection was significantly higher in female fish (63.3%) than in males (41.2%) (p<0.05) and was associated with fish length and weight (p<0.05). We conclude that gastrointestinal helminths are common in freshwater fishes from the Kaduna River. We recommend that relevant government agencies implement measures to control parasite infestations to enhance fish productivity and mitigate potential zoonotic risks to handlers and consumers.
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