Haemoparasites of Bovine (Sokoto gudali) Species Slaughtered in Port Harcourt Metropololis, Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:The study was embarked on to evaluate the presence of haemoparasitemia in cattle slaughtered in three abattoirs in Port Harcourt metropolis, Rivers State, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and five (105) blood samples were obtained from healthy Sokoto Gudali breed of cattle from three abattoirs (Trans-Amadi, Rumuokoro and Eastern-by-Pass) between the months of July and September, 2016, were processed for microscopic examination using Giemsa Stained thick and thin smear preparations of the samples. Results: Twelve (11.43%) of the cattle showed parasitemia. Abattoir specific prevalence indicated 5.71%, 3.81% and 1.90% for Trans-Amadi, Rumuokoro and Eastern-by-Pass respectively. The three species of parasites identified; Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp. and Babesia spp. recorded a prevalence of 5.71%, 3.81% and 1.90% respectively. Sex related parasitemia showed that females Original Research Article