Journal of
Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health

  • Abbreviation: J. Vet. Med. Anim. Health
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2529
  • DOI: 10.5897/JVMAH
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 419

Full Length Research Paper

Prevalence of endo-parasites in donkeys and camels in Karamoja sub-region, North-eastern Uganda

Jesca Nakayima
  • Jesca Nakayima
  • National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P.O Box 96 Tororo, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar
William Kabasa
  • William Kabasa
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and Bio-security (CoVAB), P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar
Daniel Aleper
  • Daniel Aleper
  • National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P.O Box 96 Tororo, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar
Duke Okidi
  • Duke Okidi
  • National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), P.O Box 96 Tororo, Uganda.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 21 June 2016
  •  Accepted: 13 September 2016
  •  Published: 31 January 2017

Abstract

Donkeys (Ass-Equus-assinus) and camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Uganda are mainly owned by low income earners and peasant farmers, mainly in the semi-arid North-eastern Uganda in Karamoja and Sebei sub-regions. The animals however, seem to receive little or relatively no veterinary care. This study was carried out in Moroto and Amudat districts, Karamoja sub-region, Uganda in March 2016. Faecal samples of 110 randomly selected camels and donkeys of all age and sex were collected directly from their rectum. The faecal samples were examined by flotation method, sedimentation technique, McMaster egg counting technique and faecal culture to identify and determine the burden of parasites in different age groups. Lungworms ovaculture revealed Dictyocaulus cameli (29.3%) of camels and Dictyocaulus arnfieldi (15.4%) of donkeys. Cestode eggs detection revealed family Anoplocephalidae which includes seven species of cestodes identifiable as eggs in faeces or as adults in the gastro-intestinal tract of camels (18.3%) and donkeys (15.4%). Coccidia species included Eimeria cameli (11%) and Eimeria Leuckarti (3.85%) in camels and donkeys, respectively. Trematodes were detected in 5 camels as Fasciola gigantica. Overall, EPG count was observed for strongyles at 58.5% in camels and 42.3% in donkeys. The results of this study will provide insights into the health of donkeys and camels in Uganda and provide a way forward to their veterinary care and management for improved production and productivity.

Key words: Gastrointestinal parasites, donkey, camels, Karamoja, Uganda.