Abbatoir Survey of Intestinal Parasites among Sheep in Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Faecal samples collected from seven hundred sheep brought for slaughter in some abattoirs in six Local Government Areas of Katsina State were examined for presence of intestinal parasites. The samples were examined for eggs of parasites using direct smear and formol-ether concentration technique. The overall prevalence was 236(33.7%). The cestode identified was Moniezia sp. 16(2.3%). The coccidian oocyts had a prevalence of 8.6%. The nematodes identified were Strongyle sp. 116(16.6%) and Trichuris sp. 17(2.4%), while the only trematode identified was Fasciola sp. 17(2.4%). Factors such as sex, age and breed of the sheep were found not to significantly influence the prevalence of infection (P>0.05). The results of the study showed that season was a factor which can significantly influenced the prevalence of infection among sheep in the study area (P<0.05). The study identified high prevalence of intestinal parasites among sheep slaughtered in the six abattoirs. Therefore, strategic control approach by using effective broad spectrum chemotherapeutics especially at the beginning of rainy season to reduce the burden of infection is recommended.