Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine

Fish is the cheapest source of protein amongst the mostly African poor population and specifically Nigeria. Investigations were conducted to determine the type of gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites affecting Clarias gariepinus within Kaduna metropolis. Three hundred (300) catfish from various ponds collected during the wet season from June 2016 to September 2016, were dissected and their mesenteric cavities were examined for GIT parasites. Out of the 300 Clarias gariepinus examined, 107 (35.6%) were infected with GIT parasites. Four parasites namely, Monobothrium spp. (40.2%), Polyonchobothrium claire (28.0%), Procamallanus laevionchus (24.3%) and Cryphobia iubilans (7.5%) were recovered. Out of the 140 female fish examined, 62 (44.2%) were infected with GIT parasites, while 45 (28.1%) out of the 160 males examined were infected. The difference was statistically significant at p<0.05 between the females and males. Fishes having length >18 cm   had higher rate of GIT parasites as seen with those >25 cm having the highest prevalence (49.1%) compared to those within 13 to 17 cm (30.8%), and the least were those 8 to 12 cm (5.3%) in length. The result of the study indicated that the association (P<0.05) between the prevalence of infection, sex, length and weight of the host was statistically significant (X² = 3.96,16.34 respectively). Monobothrium spp. (41.3%) was the most recovered GIT parasite, followed by Polyonchobothrium claire (27.0%) and Procamallanus laevionchus (22.2%). The rate of infection of the intestine with GIT parasites was higher (91.3%) compared to stomach (8.7%). No parasite was recovered in the rectum. This study has shown that catfish within Kaduna metropolis harbour GIT parasites that are both of veterinary and public health importance.