Survey of Gastrointestinal Parasites among Nomadic Cattle Herds in Eruwa, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria

Aim: Nomadic farming of cattle is a common practice in rural farming area of Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among nomadic cattle herds in Eruwa, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria.

Study Design: Cross-sectional.

Place of Study: The study was conducted in Eruwa, Oyo State, Southwestern Nigeria.

Methodology: Faecal samples were collected from 177 cattle across 6 randomly selected nomadic cattle herds in Eruwa. Faecal samples were collected and processed using the Sodium-acetate-acetic acid ether concentration method followed by microscopic examination for gastrointestinal parasites ova or larva. Questionnaires were also administered to herd’s handlers to obtain demographic information and deworming history of animals. Data obtained were analysed using IBM SPSS software version 20.0 and confidence interval was set at p<0.05.

Results: A total of 177 cattle were examined, with their age ranging from 2-204 months old, and majority of them 107 (60%) were females. An overall prevalence of 62.7% was recorded for any gastrointestinal helminth infection which include Ascaris spp., Fasciola spp., Ostertagia spp, Trichostongylus spp and Moniezia spp. Fasciola spp was the most prevalent (22.6%) followed by Ascaris spp (10.2%) and Monieziaspp was the least prevalent with 2.3%. However, there exists no significant difference in prevalence of infection by sex, age and across herds.

Conclusion: This study revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among nomadic cattle which can be controlled through provision of grazing reserved areas and regular deworming of cattle.