Detection of Blood parasites (Trypanosoma spp) in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State

A Three (3) months survey was done to detect the prevalence of blood parasites on Oreochromis niloticus from Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 108 fish samples were randomly selected comprising male and female. Experimental fish samples were purchased from four major landing sites of the reservoir from July to September 2023. The fish were transported alive to the Fish Biology Laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, for the blood parasites inspection. Fish were identified at each of the four landing sites of the reservoir. Samples of fish were measured for length and weighed. Blood parasites were identified and counted. Blood parasites were different in size, shape, and staining reaction. Male samples had a higher percentage of infestation (6.82%) than female samples (5.00%). The highest prevalence was recorded in sample location C while the lowest was recorded in sample location B, while Oreochromis niloticus was free from trypanosomes this could be due to the absence of bloodsuckers in the sample location.