Occurrence of Haemoparasites among Small Ruminants Reared Under Traditional Husbandry System in Owerri, Southeast Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of haemoparasites of small ruminants reared under traditional husbandry system in Owerri southeast Nigeria, from June to August, 2010. Blood samples were collected from 50 animals 26 goats and 24 sheep animals and examined for haemoparasites. The results showed that 16 (32.0%) of the animals were infected with blood parasites. Of these, 9 (34.6%) goats were infected, while 7 (29.2%) of the sheep were infected. Plasmodium sp recorded the highest prevalence rate of 56.3% in both sheep and goats. This was followed by Anaplasma sp and Eperythrozoon sp, each of which gave a prevalence rate of 18.8%. Trypanosoma sp had the least prevalence of 6.3%. Although not statistically tested; the prevalence of the infection was higher in female and males (81.3%) than male, which was (18.8%). Of the blood parasites, Plasmodium sp occurred in the female with a prevalence rate of 69.2%, but none was observed in the males. The prevalence of Anaplasma sp was 66.7% in the males and 7.7% in the females. It was therefore concluded that, with the high prevalence of blood parasites recorded in this study, the economic gains by the peasant farmers, could be limited, because of the accompanying morbidity, reduced production and growth and mortality. Consequently, this might further discourage the production of small ruminants in this region.