Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Domestic Cats in Tarauni Local Government, Kano State

Student: Zainab Opeyemi Salisu (Project, 2025)
Department of Biological Science(s)
Bayero University, Kano, Kano State

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are a major health concern for domestic cats and pose significant zoonotic risks to humans, especially in communities with close human-animal interaction. This study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, particularly Toxocara cati, in domestic cats within Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey was conducted involving the collection and laboratory analysis of 63 fecal samples from both cats living indoor and outdoor using direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation techniques. Five parasite species were identified: Toxocara cati (40.54%), Ancylostoma tubaeforme (21.62%), Taenia spp. (18.92%), Giardia spp. (10.81%), and Cystoisospora spp. (8.11%). Infection was significantly associated with age, with juvenile cats showing the highest prevalence (p = 0.0038), while sex and housing condition were not statistically significant predictors. The high prevalence of these parasites shows the need for routine deworming, public awareness, improved sanitation, and community-based control of stray cats to mitigate zoonotic transmission and promote both feline and human health..

Keywords
prevalence gastrointestinal parasites domestic tarauni local government state
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