Lousiness in sheep and goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria

Abstract

The prevalence of lousiness of sheep and goats was investigated in Maiduguriduring the rainy season month of August, 2004.  Of the 200 sheep and goats examined, 80(40%) were infected with Damalina species (57%) and  Linognathus species (23%) (P<0.05).

      Prevalence of lousiness based on the age and sex of the sheep and goats examined showed that the male sheep and goats had 18(64.3%) and 13(31.7%) prevalence rates respectively which was statistically significant (P<0.05), while the female sheep and goats had 24(33.3%) and 25(42.4%) respectively (P>0.05).  Based on their age groups, the prevalence of sheep and goats in the age group 3-6 months was 28(53.9%) and 25(42.4%) respectively, while age groups > 6 months – 1 year had 12(34.3%) and 10 (30.3%) prevalence rates respectively.  Ages > 1 year showed 02(15.4%) and 03(37.5%) rates for sheep and goats respectively.  All ages showed a significant statistical difference (P<0.05).  Prevalence of louse infestation in sheep and goats based on their breed and hair coat colour showed the Ouda, Yankasa and Balami breeds of sheep with 22(36.1%), 12(46.2) and 8(61.5%) prevalence rates (P>0.05) respectively with the breeds having 29(43.9%) and 13(38.2%) for white and black-white colours respectively (P>0.05).  For goats, the Sokoto red, Borno white, Kano brown and spotted Bauchi type had 10(35.7%0, 18(48.7%), 6(27.3%) and 4(30.8%) rates (P>0.05).  The significance of these findings is highlighted in the discussion.