<i>Cryptosporidium</i> infection in cattle, goat and ram in Yenagoa abattoir Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Cryptosporidium infection is of significant public health importance and its transmission is principally anthroponotic as a result of close contact between humans and animals. This study investigated Cryptosporidium infection in cattle, goats, and ram in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of 211 faecal samples from cattle, goats, and rams were collected and examined for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocyst using modified Kinyoun’s acid-fast staining method. The overall infection was 57.82 % with an infection rate of 58.00 % in cattle, 57.00 % in goats, and 63.64 % in rams respectively. There was no statistical significant difference (x² = 0.18, p = 0.91) among the various animals. Cattle and rams sampled were all adult males, while the goats were male and female with different age groups. An infection rate of 56.16 % in adult goats of 4 – 5 years and 59.26 % in young goats within the age range of 0 – 3 years. There was no statistical difference (X² = 0.08; p = 0.78) between the age groups. More males (59.09 %) were infected than females (52.94 %). There was no statistical difference (X²= 0.35; p = 0.56) between the sex distribution. The study has shown that cattle, goats, and rams in Yenagoa abattoir harbour Cryptosporidium oocysts which have a zoonotic consequence if not controlled as the meats from animals are eaten freely as a source of protein. Strict sanitation by proper sewage and animal dung disposal is required to prevent and control the spread of this infection.