A survey of zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites in dogs (Canis
familiaris) slaughtered at Zuru and Bedi dog markets in Zuru Local
Government Area of Kebbi state was conducted between the May,
2007 to July, 2007. A total of 52 faecal samples (33 males and 19
females) were collected after the evisceration of the intestinal
contents. The faecal samples were collected from the intestines
immediately after evisceration. The faecal samples were analyzed
using Zinc sulfate floatation technique. The study showed an overall
prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites to be 41(78.85%), with all
the parasites found to have zoonotic potential. The prevalence for
the various helminth eggs observed were: Uncinaria stenocephala
21(32.31%), Ancylostoma spp. 10(15.38%), Toxocara canis 7(10.77%),
Isospora spp. 6(9.23%), Dipylidium caninum 5(7.69%), Taenia spp.
5(7.69%), Strongyloides stercoralis 5(7.69%), Alaria spp. 4(6.15%) and
Toxocara leonina 2(3.07%). Parasites of zoonotic importance are
highly prevalent in Nigerian dogs, as such public health
enlightenment should target dog consumers, butchers, owners; and
the prohibition of stray dogs through policy legislation and
enforcement as possible control measures.