Survey of ectoparasite and ectoparasitic conditions, their predilection sites on goats in Bukuru Market

Abstract

A total of 112 goats were examined for ectoparasites and ectoparasitic conditions in December 2009 and January 2010 in Bukuru Livestock Market. Out of this figure, 7.14% were positive for Amblyomma variegatum, 0.89% and 2.67% were positive for Sarcoptes scabiei and nits (lice eggs) respectively. However, fleas were not encountered during this survey. Oral interview with the marketers further revealed that ectoparasite infested goats are not usually brought to the market, and perhaps when brought they are usually rejected and/or sold to the butchers who roasts the parasites off the goat skin, before selling the meat (head and legs) for public consumption. The marketers acknowledged the fact that such parasites could transmit diseases to healthy stock. Advocacy programmes on control of ectoparasites in goats is hereby recommended.