The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence and risk factors associated with faecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in avian species in Kano Metropolis. Faecal samples from 330 different avian species were examined using flotation technique and Modified Ziehl Neelson staining technique. Structure questionnaires were administered to bird owners to determine risk factors associated with faecal shedding of Cryptosporidium oocysts in avian species. An overall prevalence of 6.4% was determined. Live bird market (LBM) had the highest prevalence rate of 10%, while slaughter slabs and commercial poultry farms had 4.55% and 4.55%, respectively. Based on bird species, turkeys had the highest prevalence rate of 18.75%, followed by ducks (9.09%) and chickens (6.61%). Occurrence of Cryptosporidium oocysts in samples based on Local Government Areass revealed that Dala had 8 (12.12%) positive samples, followed by Tarauni 6 (9.09%), Nasarawa 4 (6.06%), Municipal 2 (3.03%) and Kumbotso 1(1.52%). Cryptosporidium oocysts were 1.3 times more likely to occur in flocks of those that source their birds from outside the State, 1.86 times more likely to occur in flocks of sellers that do not routinely clean their cages, 2.6 times more likely to occur in flocks of those that get their feed from sources other than commercial feed, 1.7 times more likely to occur in flocks that drink well water, and 1.18 times more likely to occur in flocks kept in wooden cages. There is a need for close monitoring of the infection in farm animals because of the public health and economic importance of the Disease.
Key words: Cryptosporidium, risk factors, avian species, Kano Metropolis
|
