Parasitic Diseases of Ruminants Brought to Two Zonal Veterinary Clinics in Niger State, Central Nigeria

Abstract

A five years study (2003-2007) of parasitic diseases of ruminants brought to two Zonal Veterinary clinics located in the Southern part of Niger State, Central Nigeria was carried out to establish disease patterns in cattle, sheep and goats. The study was based on the data extracted from the monthly records of parasitic disease cases within Bida and Suleja geographical zones. The results generated at Bida showed that helminthosis (strongylosis, ascariosis, and other gastrointestinal helminths) had the highest incidence rate throughout the years of study followed by ectoparasites, fasciolosis and trypanosomiasis, which represents 42.8, 24.6, 17.7 and 9.6% respectively. There were significant (p<0.05) differences among the different parasitic diseases for which the animals were treated. The result from the zonal veterinary clinic in Suleja showed helminthosis, also had the highest incidence rate closely followed by fasciolosis, trypanosomiasis and ectoparasites (38.8, 27.7, 20.79 and 5.7% respectively). Again, there were significant (p<0.05) differences among the different parasitic diseases for which the animals were treated. It is recommended that adequate preventive measures be taken to protect ruminant livestock population in the study areas against prevalent parasitic diseases.