Open Access  Subscription Access

The prevalence, mean intensity, relative density of helminth species and the effects of environmental factors, sex and maturity of host on seasonal dynamics in relative density of helminthes ova in Rift Valley goats were investigated from July 1997 to June 1998. Ten nematode and three cestode species were identified. Haemonchus contortus was the most prevalent followed by Strongloides papillosus and Trichostrongylus sp. with prevalence rate of 66.5%, 36.1% and 30.4% and mean intensities and relative densities of 1139.9, 503.7, 434.8 and 344.9, 82.8, 60.1, respectively. Moniezia expansa showed 32.2% prevalence rate and 545.2 and 79.6 mean intensity and relative density, respectively. Mixed infestation was common to Rift Valley goats. About 2.8%, 6.2%, 15.8%, 21.6% and 23.7%, of the examined goats harbored multiple infestations varying from five to one species, respectively. Maturity and sex of hosts influenced seasonal variations in relative density of helminthes species. Female hosts harbored higher relative densities (p