INTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS AMONG SLAUGHTERED CATTLE IN BENIN CITY, EDO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The gastrointestinal tract of cattle harbours a number of parasites particularly helminthes that are responsible for clinical and sub clinical parasitism. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminth infections among slaughtered cattle in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 215 cattle consisting of 134 males and 81 females. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of each slaughtered cattle into a clean universal container for parasitological investigation using standard procedures. An overall prevalence of 36.3% of intestinal helminthiasis was observed among slaughtered cattle in this study. Gender and breed significantly affected the prevalence of intestinal helminthiasis among slaughtered cattle (P=0.0093; P<0.0001 respectively). The intestinal helminthes recovered were Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides papillosus, Taenia saginata, Paramphistomum cervi, Dicrocoelium hospes and Monieza benedeni. Fasciola hepatica was the most prevalent (56.41%) while Monieza benedeni showed the least (2.56%) helminth observed. Measures to control parasitic infections among cattle with a view of improving the quality of growth and productivity are advocated