Survey of Sarcocystis Species Infection in Slaughtered Goats in Makurdi Metropolis

Abstract

The emerging zoonotic infection caused by Sarcocystis species is becoming a serious public health problem for animal rearers .This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Sarcocystis species infection in slaughtered goats at some selected abattoirs in Makurdi metropolis. Histological investigation was carried out using Haematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) as the staining agent on the tissue samples of heart (21), oesophagus (191) and tongue (183) from 224 goats. The results showed that, out of the 224 goats examined, 84(37.50%) were observed to be infected with Sarcocystis species. Morphologically some appeared round, ovoid or globular while others were elongated, spindle-shaped that tapered at one end. Infection related to sex showed that females had higher (83.33%) rate than males (16.67%).With respect to infection due to age, 9.52, 28.57 and 61.91% for ages 1-2 years, 2-3 years and above 3 years respectively were noted. Sex and age of the animals were not determining factors of the infection (P>0.05).There was significant difference in prevalence of infection in the three muscular tissues examined, with oesophagus having the highest (63.10 %) followed by the tongue (34.52%) and heart being the least (2.38%) (P< 0.05). The presence of two distinct microscopic cyst shapes (elongated, spindle-shaped that taper at one end and the round, oval or globular form) prompts the need for further research to ascertain species-specific associated with this parasite in goats and other animals in Nigeria.