Studies on parasitic infestation and prevalence in Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) from Zobe reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

The current study was undertaken between September, 2020 and February, 2021 to determine the prevalence of fish parasites infesting catfish Clarias gariepinus and the associated risk factors in Zobe reservoir Dutsinma, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total number of 90 fish samples were collected and examined from Zobe reservoir. Out of 90 fish samples from Zobe, 47 were male and 43 were female. Fish parasites recovered and their prevalence among Clarias gariepinus obtained from Zobe reservoir: Digenean genera; Astiotrema sp. 5 (5.82%), Miracidium larvae 3 (3.48%), Metacercariae sp. 8 (9.31%), Cestode genera; Monobothrium sp. 21 (24.42%), Pleurocercoid or Coradium sp. 5 (5.82%), Nematode genera; Ascaris eggs 20 (23.26%), Capilaria sp. 14 (16.28%), Camallanus sp. 8 (9.31%), Ascaridods or Anisakis sp. 2 (2.33%). The prevalence of parasites recovered from the fish species in this study was high. In conclusion, Clarias gariepinus from Zobe reservoir were infected by several parasites that are of economic importance. The findings suggest that the observed parasitic infections may adversely affect C. gariepinus and if not well managed, could also infect human beings who consume the fish. It is therefore recommended that communities along the reservoir should desist from activities likely to increase parasite load, also, the gastro-intestinal tract of harvested fishes from the study area should be discarded rather than consumed to prevent zoonotic diseases