Professional Assessment of Parasitological Examination Practices in Veterinary Clinics in Anambra State, South East Nigeria

Veterinary clinics serve as critical nodes for the early diagnosis and management of parasitic infections in companion and production animals, yet the quality of parasitological examination practices in Nigerian veterinary clinical settings has received limited systematic evaluation. This study assesses parasitological examination practices in registered veterinary clinics in Anambra State, South East Nigeria. A cross-sectional facility audit was conducted across 15 veterinary clinics in Awka, Onitsha, and Nnewi Local Government Areas. Data collection instruments included structured observation checklists, interviews with veterinary practitioners and laboratory assistants, review of clinical case records, and an assessment of diagnostic equipment and reagent availability. Performance domains evaluated included stool examination techniques employed, availability of floatation and concentration methods, use of Wright-Giemsa staining for haemoparasite detection, proficiency in parasitological identification, and maintenance of diagnostic quality records. Evidence from 2020 to 2024 documents significant under-investment in parasitology diagnostic infrastructure in private Nigerian veterinary clinics, with clinical diagnosis replacing laboratory confirmation in the majority of parasite-related consultations. This study generates a clinical laboratory performance scorecard and a capacity gap analysis for each facility. Recommendations will be submitted to the Anambra State Veterinary Council and the Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association for continuing professional development programming. Keywords: veterinary clinics, parasitological examination, diagnostic practice, Anambra State, quality assessment.