The Occurence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Slaughtered Cattle in Azare,North-East Nigeria

Abstract

A Cross-sectional Study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (G.I.) helminths parasites in slaughtered cattle at Azare abattoir, Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty faecal samples were examined using the floatation and sedimentation method. Out of the total samples tested, G.I. helminths infections were detected in 62samples tested, giving an overall prevalence of 51.6%. Class nematodes are the most diverse class (56.5%) and then followed by trematodes (35.5%), while cestodes are the least prevalent (8.1%). There was a statistically significant difference in P-value >0.05. The sex revealed that males (52.6%) are more susceptible to G.I. helminths infection than females (50.0%) even though there is no statistical difference at P-value >0.05. However, the prevalence of G.I. helminths to age revealed a statistical difference at P-value >0.05, where the young have the highest prevalence of 59.5%. The Red Bororo breeds had the highest prevalence of 75%, while the least was recorded in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali, 40% each. There was a statistically significant difference at P-value >0.05. This study revealed that Fasciola spp (15%) is the most prevalent G.I. helminths parasites detected, followed by Oesophagostomum spp (11.7%); Haemonchus spp (9.2%); Strongyloides spp (8.3%), Schistosoma spp (3.3%); and Moniezia spp (1.67%). Our findings from the present study revealed a high prevalence of G.I. helminths species affecting cattle in Azare and Nigeria as a whole. Therefore, there is a great need for proper advocacy on the need for appropriate management, regular deworming practices, and improved cattle hygiene to boost animal production. This will help in curbing great lost to Nigeria's economy and the world in general.

Epidemiological studies of gastrointestinal helminths affecting cattle in Bogoro Local Government Areas of Bauchi State, North-east Nigeria

“…were the most abundant gastrointestinal parasites. This agrees with the findings of Umar et al (2021) and Adedipe et al (2014), who also reported some of these trematodes in their studies. The logistic regression analysis of the present study indicates that cattle in the study area are almost sixteen times more likely to be affected by trematodes than cestodes [COR (95% CI): 16.12 (3.78-68.64)].…”

“…Regarding cestodes, the total prevalence of Moniezia spp. identified in our study was substantially lower than that reported by Adedipe et al (2014) and Umar et al (2021) in Nigeria at 2.1% and 4.2%, respectively. Moniezia spp.…”

“…The current study's high prevalence of Fasciola spp. is lower than that reported by Umar et al (2021) and Ola-Fadunsin et al (2020) in northeastern and southwestern Nigeria, respectively. Infections with Fasciola species cause severe liver flukes in cattle, resulting in weight loss, decreased milk output, reduced reproductive rates, and perhaps death (Thanasuwan et al, 2021).…”

“…However, the logistic regression analysis indicates that cattle in the study area are almost twenty-one times more likely to be affected by nematodes than cestodes [COR (95% CI): 21.00 (4.98-88.62)]. High levels of nematode have been found to be the most common helminth infecting cattle in Nigeria (Nnabuife et al, 2013;Ola-Fadunsin et al, 2020;Umar et al, 2021) and other parts of the world (Bisimwa et al, 2018;Telila et al, 2014). Infections caused by nematodes significantly impact livestock production because they reduce milk, meat, wool, hide products, and working animal stamina (Ekong et al, 2012;Nwosu et al, 2007).…”

“…GJPAS/Volume 1/Issue 2/Jul -Dec/2022 employment, and organic manure, and the benefits cannot be overstated (Umar et al, 2021). Cattle ownership reflects the wealth and social status in some parts of Nigeria.…”