Helmith Parasites Found in Goats Slaughtered for Meat in Etim Ekpo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Goats are small ruminants which are reared for several purposes especially in the rural area where they serve as a ready source of cash in meeting with sudden family needs. One of the most prevalent diseases militating against them is worm parasites. The aim of the study was to find out the major types of worms that are prevalent in Etim Ekpo local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State which parasitize goats, thus confirm the economic importance of the worm parasites. 250 samples were randomly collected from the goats slaughtered slabs scattered all over the local government Area using sterile swaps. Saturated salt solution was prepared and used in locating the worm eggs present thus the types of worm parasites using simple floatation method. It was found out that several species of worm viz: Heterakis, Trichostrongylus, Heamonchus, Tricuris, Monienza, Oesophagustomum, Ascaridia, Ostergia etc were found in an average of 48.8% of samples collected, using simple percentage. This it was confirmed that worm parasites are a major constraint in it development of goats in the area. It was also noted that the worm was present in all goats slaughtered for meat in the local government area. Since the offal are washed into a nearby streams which help to spread it to the people who use water from the same stream to bath, wash, and other things that may require water. It was suggested that thorough ante and post mortem should be carried out and treatment should be given where necessary to prevent the spread of the disease to the consumers.

Keywords: Goats; Helminthes; Tricuris; Ascaridia; Heterakis; Slaughter