Perception, prevalence and diversity of ectoparasites of some domestic animals in Lagos State, Nigeria

Abstract

Ectoparasites cause great loss in livestock but little attention has been paid to identifying their prevalence on livestock in Lagos State, Nigeria. Assessment was therefore conducted using cattle, sheep, goats and dogs in selected farms at Ojo, Agege and Badagry Local Government Areas LGA), Lagos State, Nigeria to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites from March to May, 2021. Validated questionnaires were distributed to farmers to assess the prevalence of these ectoparasites on domestic animals in each LGA studied. Ticks and mites were also collected by handpicking from the animals to determine their prevalence and the assemblage of ectoparasites found in each study LGA. A total of 918 animals (consisting of 387 cattle, 207 sheep, 249 goats and 75 dogs) were examined for ectoparasites. The highest prevalence, 197 (21.46 %) was recorded for ticks being the most common ectoparasites found infesting domestic cattle. Species of ticks recorded were Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (27.50 %), Amblyomma variegatum (8.20 %), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (9.70 %), Ixodes scapularis (1.90 %), Otobius megnini (4.80 %), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (0.80 %), Dermacentor albipictus (0.90 %) and Amblyomma cajennense (1.70 %). Other ectoparasites were mites with prevalence of 111(12.09 %) in cattle. The infestations were mostly at the ear and mammary gland causing scab-like lesions on the ear, scrotum, mammary gland and tail, while annoyance and nuisance due to ectoparasite activities were also observed in infested animals. Treatment of affected animals with suitable methods and proper management practices are recommended for keeping away the ectoparasites from the livestock.