Bacteriological and parasitological evidence of soil contamination from livestock farming in Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

Domestic environmental pollution resulting from human's cohabitation with domestic and farm animals were investigated in
Makurdi using multiple tubes fermentation for identification of faecal indicator bacteria and test tube floatation techniques
for the parasitological analysis of soil samples respectively. Of the 150 soil samples examined, 55 (36.7%) were positive for
one or more eggs of helminth parasites. There was no significant difference in the distribution of eggs in the three areas
sampled (X²=0.046, df=2, p>0.05). Ascaris species were the dominating parasite eggs seen. 142 (97.3%) of soil samples
showed colonial growth of one or more faecal bacteria (Escherichia coli, Aerobacter aerogens and Enterobacter species).
There was significant contamination of soil sample using t-test (t=3.78, df=5, p<0.05). The public health implications of
these findings especially as relates to the increasing incidence of zoonotic infections are discussed. Enforcement of existing
regulations on roaming animals in urban areas and community health education is being recommended as urgent intervention
strategies.

Keywords: contamination, animal faeces, soil, residential premises.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 28 (1) 2007: pp. 20-24