Prevalence and Diversity of Ectoparasites Associated with Wild Animals Sold as Bushmeat in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Bushmeat consumption remains common in many parts of Nigeria, but contact with wild animals may expose hunters, traders, handlers, and consumers to ectoparasites of public health importance and possible zoonotic infections. Despite the frequent consumption of bushmeat in many communities, there is limited information on the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites associated with these animals in southwestern Nigeria. Aim: This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites associated with wild animals sold as bushmeat in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 48 wild animals belonging to five taxa were examined, including grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus), African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus), porcupine (Hystrix cristata), wild cat (Felis lybica), and bush baby (Galago spp.). Ectoparasites were collected through physical examination and combing and were identified using standard morphological identification keys. Results: Overall, 45 out of the 48 examined animals were infested, resulting in an infestation prevalence of 93.75%. Three major groups of ectoparasites were recovered: ticks, lice, and mites. A total of 165 ectoparasites were collected, including Rhipicephalus spp., Ixodes cookei, Amblyomma spp., Haemaphysalis longicornis, Haemaphysalis leporispalustris, Linognathus spp., and mites belonging to the subclass Acari. Ticks accounted for the highest proportion of recovered ectoparasites, followed by lice and mites. Among the identified ectoparasites, Linognathus spp. had the highest infestation rate, whereas Amblyomma spp. had the lowest. Grasscutters showed the highest infestation level, while bush babies recorded the lowest prevalence of infestation. A significant difference was observed in the distribution of ectoparasite groups among the examined animals. Conclusion: The high prevalence of ectoparasites observed in this study highlights the potential public health risks associated with handling and consuming wild animals sold as bushmeat. Increased awareness among hunters, traders, handlers, and consumers on safe handling practices is necessary to reduce the risk of ectoparasite exposure and possible zoonotic disease transmission.