Prevalence of Haemoparasites in Red Sokoto Goats Slaughtered at Ahiaeke Market, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of haemoparasites in Red Sokoto goats slaughtered at Ahiaeke market, Umuahia, Abia State Nigeria were determined between the months of September and November 2014. Blood samples were collected from 125 adult goats using standard laboratory techniques. The blood samples were examined for haemoparasites using wet mount, buffy coat and thin smear stained with geimsa. The overall prevalence of haemoparasite infection was 57.6% of all the samples examined. The result shows that 72 animals were infected with various haemoparasites sampled for, whereas 53 animals were non-infected. The prevalence rates of infection were as follows; Babesiosis 29.6%, Anaplasmosis 16.8%, Trypanosomosis 1.6% and Mix infection 9.6%. The rate of infection was higher in the females than in males. The non-infected group had a significantly higher (P<0.05) mean packed cell volume when compared with the groups infected with Trypanosomosis, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis and Mix infection. The result of this study indicates a high prevalence of haemoparasite infection in Red Sokoto goats slaughtered in the area of study, therefore strategic measures should be taken to control the vectors involved in their transmission.