An Investigation of Gastrointestinal Helminths of Trade Cattle in Azare,Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, North Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GIT)parasites continue to be a serious issue that lowers the efficiency and productivity output of cattle globally.The current study therefore sought to identify the main parasite in cattle in Azare and its surroundings as well as the overall epidemiology of GIT parasites.An abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic helminthes among cattle slaughtered at Azare Town abattoir, located in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State using simple faecal floatation and sedimentation methods. Identified parasitic helminths’ ova include trematodes (39.1%), cestodes (18.8%) and nematodes (42.0%) which were detected in 69 samples giving an overall prevalence of 76.7%. The prevalence of helminthes to sex revealed 30 (75.0%) in malesand 39 (84.8%) in females. Among the different age categories, a higher prevalence of 90.0% was recorded among cattle greater than 5 years, 77.8%, 73.7%, 81.8% and 70% among cattle of 5 years, 4 years, 3 years and 2 years of age respectively. The white Fulani breed presented the highest infection rate of 97.8% compared to Sokoto Gudali(52.4%) and Red bororo (56.5%). Mixed infections of double (78.99%) and triple infection rates (21.1%) were recorded. The occurrence of strongyloides, Fasciola and Schistosoma ova are of significant public health importance considering their zoonotic nature. These findings reflect a growing burden of gastrointestinal parasite infections at abattoir level. Therefore, a proper management, improved hygiene and regular deworming practices should be institutionalized for prevention and control of parasitic infections in livestock.