Prevalence of giardiasis in cattle slaughtered in Sokoto metropolitan abattoir, Sokoto state, Nigeria.

Abstract

The prevalence of giardiasis in cattle slaughtered in the Sokoto metropolitan abattoir was investigated. Faeces and bile samples were collected and processed using formal-ether concentration technique. Gross lesions from 224 out of 1,313 slaughtered cattle were randomly selected and examined. Out of the 224 cattle examined, 56 (25.00%) were infected. Out of the 95 male cattle examined, 20 (21.05%) were infected, out of 129 female cattle examined, 36 (27.91%) were infected. The infection with Giardia spp in the examined breed was also found to be 56 (25.00%) in relation to breed out of 100 Sokoto Gudali breed examined, 20 (20.00%) were infected, and out of 123 Red Bororo breed examined, 36 (29.27%) were infected. While 1 white Fulani breed was examined, and 0 (0.00%) was infected. Overall prevalence of infection with Giardia was 27.68% and there was a significant difference (p > 0.05) between the rate of infection in males and females and between breeds. Regular treatment of all animals and humans with an effective antiprotozoal drugs, proper abattoir inspection, adequate and clean water supply to animals; payment of compensation by government, and public enlightenment about the disease by government Non- Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) on health implication inherent in unsafe disposal of human and animal faeces were suggested.