Prevalence of toxocariasis and echinococcosis among dogs in the Niger Delta.

A sample of 60 dogs in the Port Harcourt area of the Niger Delta was examined for intestinal parasites. The high prevalence rates of Toxocara canis (56.6%) and Echinococcus granulosus (85.0%) in the area are discussed in relation to public health. Other parasites found in dogs include Toxascaris leonina (3.3%), Uncinaria stenocephala (70.0%), Dipylidium caninum (88.3%), Trichuris vulpis (56.7%), Ancylostoma caninum (65.0%) and Taenia hydatigenia (43.3%).