Gastrointestinal parasites infection among sheep in Bokkos local government area of Plateau state, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections affect the health and production of animals leading to lowered nutritional value and economic losses to farmers. This study was carried out to determine the gastrointestinal parasites among sheep in Bokkos local government area, Plateau State. A total of 200 faecal samples were examined using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Of the 200 samples, 138 (69%) were infected with eight parasite genera; four Nematodes, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagustomum, Haemonchus and Nematodirus; two trematodes, Paramphistomum and Fasciola; one Cestode, Moniezia and one protozoan, Eimeria. The highest prevalence (58.5%) was recorded for Eimeria spp. followed by Haemonchus spp (32.5%). Female sheep were at higher risk (OR =1.5) of infection with Nematodirus spp. than the male. Paramphistomum and Trichostrongylus infections were associated with age of animals and sampling location. The risk of infection with Moniezia spp was higher in young than adult animals (OR=3.5) and in females than males (OR =2.5). The study revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in the study area. Therefore, proper understanding of the epidemiology of the parasites is a prerequisite for the design of effective preventive and control programmes to boost livestock production, alleviate poverty, and increase source of animal protein to humans.