@article{MAKHILLVR20147128035,
    title = {Occurrence of Rats and Their Ectoparasites and Cestodes in Some Locations in
Nsukka in Eastern Nigeria and the Implications to Human Health},
    journal = {Veterinary Research},
    volume = {7},
    number = {1},
    pages = {4-8},
    year = {2014},
    issn = {1993-5412},
    doi = {vr.2014.4.8},
    url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1993-5412&doi=vr.2014.4.8},
    author = {L.A.},
    keywords = {zoonotic,ectoparasites,cestodes,wild rats,Occurrence},
    abstract = {The occurrence of wild rats, their cestodes and ectoparasites in some farms and residential houses
in Nsukka was investigated. A total of 101 wild rats were caught using traps and rodenticides. Ectoparasites
and cestodes were collected on caught rats. The prevalence of wild rats in the various locations was 100%. Two
types of rats identified as <i>Rattus rattus</i> (black) and R. <i>norvegicus</i> (Norway or brown) rats were caught. The
prevalence of black rats (90.1%) was higher than that of the brown rats (9.9%). Fleas identified to be
<i>Xenopsylla</i> sp. had a prevalence of 43%. However, fleas were not common among rats caught in residential
homes. Lice had a prevalence of 7%. The prevalence of cestodes in the rats was 47%. Cestodes were common
in both rats caught in the farms and residential houses. Wild rats were very common in some farms and
residential houses in Nsukka. Rats served as a medium of transmission of fleas from location to location and
can contaminate animal and human feed and water with cestode eggs. It is needful to regularly monitor the
occurrence of rats and the parasites and control when their prevalence is soaring since they are zoonotic.
Control measures were proposed.}
    }