Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites and their Impact in Domestic Animals in Vom, Nigeria

Abstract

In order to establish the prevalence and impact of helminths in domestic animals in Vom, Central Nigeria between January 2009 - December 2010, a total of 1,508 faecal samples from various breed of domestic animals viz: cattle, sheep, dogs, pigs, horses, rabbits and goats were carefully examined using formal ether concentration technique. Out of the 556 cattle faeces examined, 480(31.8%) were infected and positive for multiple helminthic infection, Strongyle-like eggs (43.2%) and Eimeria bovis (13.3%) Moniezia worms (0.5%). From 204 of Canine (dogs) faecal samples examined, 52 (3.5%) were infected. Ancylostoma braziliense (12.8%), Troglotrema salmincolo 0.5%). Caprine (Goats) faecal samples indicated Eimera parvi (19.3%) and Nematodirus spathiger (0.5%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (0.5%). Equine (Horse) samples indicated Strongylus spp (92.3%) while Triodontophorus tenuicollis (7.7%). In Laprine (Rabbits), Eimeria stiedia was (66.7%) while E. intestinalis was (33.3%). Ovine (Sheep) had Eimeria species (65.1%) and Strongyle-like eggs (66.3%) while Taenia hydatigena (1.2%); Swine (Pig) samples, Oesophagostomum dentatum (20.8%) and Schistosoma suis (0.4%) respectively. In all, 963 samples were positive for different parasites with the overall prevalence of 63.8%. The study revealed that gastrointestinal parasites and their eggs are still endemic in the study area which is indicative of a neglect of simple management practices which has a negative impact on Livestock production in Nigeria.