OCCURRENCE OF SMALL RUMINANT GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN ENUGU NORTH, NIGERIA

Abstract

Small ruminants such as sheep and goats are highly susceptible to various parasitic infections, which can have a significant impact on their overall health and productivity. These parasites can cause a range of health issues, including the transmission of other diseases, and can also weaken the immune system of their hosts, leaving them more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. Hence, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of these parasites for effective management of small ruminants and to prevent disease outbreaks. Therefore, the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants (sheep and goats) in Enugu North Senatorial Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria, was determined. A total of 120 faecal samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites using standard laboratory techniques. The parasite eggs were identified based on their morphological features using a parasitological atlas. An overall occurrence rate of 40% (n = 48) was recorded. Based on species, an occurrence rate of 40.2% (n = 45) and 37.5% (n = 3) were obtained for goats and sheep, respectively. Among the parasites detected, strongyles had the highest rate of occurrence (85.42%; n = 41), while the parasites with the least occurrence were paramphistomum and trichuris (2%; n = 1), respectively. The parasite had the highest occurrence in the males (ram: 50% and buck: 50%), 4½-year-old (52%) animals, and as a single infection (67%). Chi-square analysis showed that there was no association (p > 0.01) between the occurrence rate in relation to species, sex, age, and type of infection, but a significant difference was found between breed and occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites.