A survey on the ectoparasites of some livestock from some areas of Borno and Yobe States

Abstract

An investigation into ectoparasites of livestock from Maiduguri Metropolitan and Askira Uba (Borno State), Fika and Nangere (Yobe State) was conducted. A total of 1,600 camels, 2,200 cattle, 500 sheep, 400 goats, 230 dogs and 250 pigs were examined for ectoparasites. Ticks, lice and flies were the ectoparasites recorded. Infestation rate of ticks was high on camels, cattle and dogs. Tick infestation rate on sheep and goats was 43.0% and 26.5% respectively. The species of ticks recorded were all from the Family Ixodidae. Ticks on camels were Hyalomma rufipes, Hyalomma dromedarii, Boophilus decoloratu and Hyalomma truncatum. In order of predominance, cattle were infested with Boophilus decoloratus, Hyalomma tuncatum, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Haemaphysalis leachii and Amblyomma lepidum. Sheep and goats were also infested with ixodid ticks though the infestation rates were relatively low. The flies trapped in this study comprised of members of the Order Diptera while lice were drawn from the Order Anoplura. The level of infestation rates of ectoparasites in relation to age groups and sex of hosts were assessed. The population of the ectoparasites on different hosts showed wide differences.

KEY WORDS: Ectoparasites, Livestock, Borno and Yobe States

Nigerian Veterinary Journal Vol.25(2) 2004: 48-55