Distribution and Seasonal Variation of Snail Vector of Medical and Veterinary Importance in Communities Around Challawa Dam, Karaye Local Government Area, Kano State
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33003/fjs-2026-1017-6027Keywords:
Snail Vector, Intermediate Hosts, Bulinus forskalii, Bulinus globosus, Biomphalaria sppAbstract
Snail are generally aquatic upon found in almost all fresh water bodies ranging from rivers, lakes, streams, irrigation channels, lakes, streams, Ponds and marshes attached to the water plants. The epidemiology of schistosomiasis involves a mollucs (snail) as an intermediate host, various species of fresh water snails are known to act as intermediate host of schistosomiasis. This study aims to determine the distribution and seasonal variation of snail vector species of medical and veterinary importance in communities around Challawa Dam, Karaye Local Government Area, Kano State. Three communities, Challawa, Kauyan Mata and Magasawa were selected based on their proximity to Dam and the Challawa River. Snails are collected on monthly basis for twelve consecutive months, using forceps technique. A total of six hundred and seventy-four (674) freshwater snails were collected from the three selected sampling sites, based on morphological appearance of the snail shells, three species were identified in all the sampling sites namely; Bulinus globosus 433 (64.24%), Bulinus forskalii 41 (6.08%) and Biomphalaria spp 200 (29.67%). All snail species were identify in all sampling site with Bulinus globosus the most abundant. Snails were more abundant during rainy season (Wet, n = 603. 89.47%, Dry, n = 71. 10.53%). In conclusion, Challawa Dam is a dwelling site for freshwater snails. Therefore, there is a great need for regular vector control such as use of molluscicides.
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