Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants in the Tolon District, Ghana

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasites are microorganisms that reside in the digestive tract of their host and cause various gastrointestinal diseases and health complications. Gastrointestinal parasites pose a significant danger to the productivity and wellbeing of small ruminants. These gastrointestinal parasites not only affect the health of animals but also impair their productive and reproductive abilities. This study assessed the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in Tolon District, Ghana. Across-sectional study was employed for the study. Five hundred faecal samples were examined (250 each from sheep and goats), and the animals were randomly selected. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 81.4%. Strongyle is the most common gastrointestinal parasite. The prevalence of strongyles in sheep was significantly higher (x =49.3, p<0.001) than in goats. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was lower (OR=0.37, 95% Cl=0.22-0.63) in male animals than in females. Species, age group, sex, management system, and flock size had significant effects (p<0.05) on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. In contrast, location did not have a significant effect (P >0.05) on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Further studies on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and their associated factors should be conducted in different parts of the country.