Studies on Influence of Seasonality on Clinical Conditions of Small Ruminants in Ogbomoso Areas of Oyo State

Abstract

Information on influence of seasonality on clinical conditions of small ruminants in Ogbomoso area of Oyo State has not been extensively documented. 10 years' worth of data on clinical cases in sheep and goats were analysed from records kept at the Veterinary Clinics from 1995- 2005 using simple descriptive, frequency and percentage distribution. The results showed that a total of eight hundred and eighty seven different cases were reported at the clinic between 1995-2005. 758 (85.46%) of Caprine and 129 (14.54%) of Ovine species cases were reported. Helminthosis occurred most (26.99%) in the early wet season while wounds occurred most on early dry season (20.87%). Non-infectious conditions such as dystocia (13.92%) and fractures (9.71%) were reported most on late wet season . Mange (5.83%), mastitis (7.77%), placenta retention (2.91%), sprain (5.34%) as well as prophylactic treatment (7.77%) were reported most in early dry season respectively. PPR were reported most in late dry season (9.59%). Other cases reported with values lower than 2.0% all year round were considered and these include ascitis, amputation, foot rot, milk fever, paralysis, pneumonia, rumen impaction, salmonellosis, skin burn, vulvitis, and tetanus. Information generated can be useful to Government agencies in strategic planning and guidelines for prevention and control of ruminant diseases.

Key words: Seasonality, Clinical conditions, Small ruminant, Ogbomoso