PREVALENCE AND INTENSITY OF PISCINE TRYPANOSOMES INFECTION AMONG THREE WILD FISH SPECIES; CLARIASGARIEPINUS, TILAPIA ZILLI, AND SYNODONTISNIGRATA, IN KEBBI STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

A total of 217 fish, belonging to 3 families and 3 species were screened Jor piscine trypanosomes from 3 locations in Kebbi State, from May,2012- April ,2013. An overall prevalence of 15% was recorded from 3 locations ; Argungu, 11.01%. Malisa50%and Yauri, 11.6 %. Byfish species, C. gariepinus had 13.1 %, T. zilli,4.4% and S. nigrata, 30.4% prevalence . The trypanosomes ranges from small to medium and larger morphotypes. Prevalence and intensity follow similar pattern Jrom one location to another and varies from one specie of fish to another. S .nigrata recoded the highest intensity rate of 60 -80, while T. zilli_ had the lowest of 2 — Sparasites/15 min scan. S. nigrata was observed to be more vulnerable, while T.zilli, relatively resistant to infection by the species of these trypanosomes.