Prevalence of Helminth Parasites of Ruminants in Abattoir Market Jos, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections of animals cause economic losses to farmers and low nutritional value to consumers. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite found in Abattoir Market, Jos Plateau State. A total of 205 faecal samples were examined using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Of the 205 samples examined, 193(94.1%) were infected with four groups of parasites of which the nematodes 80(41.40%) were significantly (P<0.0001) prevalent. The cattle were significantly (P=0.04727) more infected 78(40.40%) while the goats 50(26.00%) were the least infected by helminth parasites. Male ruminants 100(48.80%) were more infected than female ruminants 93(45.40%). There was no significant difference (P=0.09278) in the prevalence of helminth parasite in relation to gender. The adult cattle 45(21.95%) were significantly (P=0.03797) more infected with helminth parasites, while the young goats 29(9.16%) were the least infected. The most prevalent helminth parasite encountered was Taenia saginata40(20.33%) while Dicocoelium dendriticum 4(2.07%) was the least prevalent parasite. There was a high significant difference (P=0.0001061) in the prevalence of helminth parasite species in relation to ruminants. The result of the study revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among animals slaughtered in the study area. Therefore, there is need to educate the farmers on proper animal health care, feeding, sanitary conditions and routine deworming of their animals towards maximum productivity.