Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminth Eggs/Oocysts in Faeces of Ruminants Slaughtered in Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ruminants, including cattle, sheep, and goats, are an essential source of animal protein for many Nigerians. However, gastrointestinal parasites pose a significant challenge in ruminant production in developing countries, leading to considerable economic losses. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth eggs and oocysts in ruminants slaughtered in Sabon Gari Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 150 samples were collected, processed by a simple fecal flotation technique, and examined for helminth eggs and oocysts. Additionally, portions of each sample were processed using the formal-ether concentration technique, with smears stained by the modified Ziehl–Neelsen technique to detect Cryptosporidium oocysts. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth eggs and oocysts in ruminants was 73.3%. By species, the prevalence was 76.2% in sheep, 72.2% in goats, and 74.0% in cattle. Coccidia was the most common parasite (46.7%), followed by Strongyles (24.7%), Cryptosporidium (17.3%), and Moniezia (11.3%). Coccidia prevalence was significantly higher in goats (p=0.004), while Cryptosporidium prevalence was significantly higher in cattle (p=0.000). There was no significant association between the prevalence of helminth eggs and oocysts and variables such as age, sex, breed, body condition scores, or fecal consistency of the sampled animals. Improved abattoir management practices, including the treatment of feces in septic tanks before discharge into streams or agricultural use, are highly recommended.