Abstract

Water bodies in specific sites were sampled for snail intermediate hosts of trematodes. Overall, a total of 949 snails were taken from the selected rivers with long handled scoop net, and in some areas with the aid of a pair of forceps. The sampled snails were placed in wide-mouthed universal bottles, loosely covered and taken to the laboratory for investigation. Examination was carried out by exposing groups of ten in beakers containing water to sunshine for 3 h, and this water was examined for cercariae. Snails that showed positivity were washed, re-exposed as earlier mentioned, and the water was checked for cercariae. Of all the snails found, only 5 (0.52%) Lymnea natalensis and Physa acuta were positive with cercariae, while other species (Potadoma) were not infected. The present study reveals that Lymnaea, Physa and Potadoma species are common snails found in Okitipupa Local Government Area.

Key words: Trematodes, prevalence, freshwater molluscs, malacology.