A Retrospective Study of Diseases of Savanna Sheep Reared Under Extensive Husbandry Practice in Zaria, Nigeria (1977-1999)

Abstract

A retrospective study of the diseases of savanna sheep reared under extensive management system brought to the Ahmadu Bello University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (ABUVTH), Zaria, Nigeria for treatment between January, 1977 and December, 1999
was carried out. Parasitic infestations were found to be predominant, with helminthosis accounting for 4668 (71.2 %) of the 6555 cases presented. Other diseases encountered in the study are of zoonotic importance and the public health significance of these
diseases, in relation to the human population in Zaria, Nigeria is discussed. It was concluded that parasitic infestations are the predominant diseases of sheep in this area. It is advised that farmers intending to keep sheep should rear them under intensive
management for effective disease control.

Keywords: Savanna sheep, extensive management system, Zaria, Nigeria

Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences Vol. 5 (1) 2006 pp. 35-38