Assessment of Haemoparasites of Cattle slaughtered in Jos South Abattoir, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Haemoparasites are considered as the most important constraints to the health and improved productivity of cattle in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed at determining their prevalence among cattle slaughtered at Jos South abattoir, Plateau state, Nigeria. A total of 200 blood samples were collected between April and May, 2018. Thin and thick blood films were made from the samples and stained with Giemsa and examined microscopically using X100 magnification. A total of 128(64%) cattle were positive for Babesia species. No other haemoparasite were detected. Blood sample of 190(95%) were collected from cattle that were 3 years and above and 10(5%) were from cattle below 3 years. Female and white Fulani cattle were 2 times (POR = 2.29; P < 0.01) and 3 times (POR = 3.19; p < 0.0001) respectively at the risk of a positive result of Babesia species infection, when compared to male cattle and Red Bororo by bivariate analysis. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of Babesia species with respect to age (p = 0.27) and source of cattle (p = 1.00, p =0.96 and p = 0.56) for animals from Plateau, Bauchi and Maiduguri respectively. This study showed a high prevalence of Babsia species infection amongst slaughtered cattle at Jos South abattoir. It confirms the presence of carrier populations of Babesia-infected cattle which both serve as a reservoir of infection for tickvectors, susceptible livestock and humans. Routine screening and treatment of animals to effectively reduce to the barest minimum the prevalence of Babesia species in the study areas is highly recommended.