Pattern of ticks and lice infestation on small ruminants in Sokoto, Sokoto State

Abstract

Sheep and goats are major sources of meat, skin and farm yard manure for more than 60% of indigenous population in Sokoto State, Nigeria. In addition, they are important for the high social economic value, as insurance against crop failure, and usage for cultural festivities and religious sacrifices. Among the factors which hamper the productivity of these small ruminants is ecto parasitism. This study was therefore carried out to investigate the pattern of tick and lice infestations on small ruminants  presented at the state Zonal Veterinary Clinic, Sokoto between March and August, 2015. Of the total 104 small ruminants presented for treatment  consisting of 73 sheep and 31 goats investigated, the prevalence of tick and lice infestations in this  study was observed to be 23.1% and 3.8% for sheep and goats, respectively. Thus, confirming the presence of these parasites in Sokoto. In sheep, Amblyomma variegatum (14.4%), Boophilus decoloratus (6.7%) and Linognathus ovilus (1.9%) were found, while Amblyomma variegatum (3.9%) was the only tick species found in goats. The pattern of ticks and lice infestations on small  ruminants based on age distribution showed that infestation was highest among the sheep above 3 years of age. It is also higher among the female animals than in males. The infestation was highest among Yankasa breed than other breeds encountered in the study, while infestation in goats was found only among Sokoto Red. A strategic control of these ectoparasites with appropriate acaricides during the period of high burden of ticks and lice based on epidemiology is recommended.

Keywords: Lice infestations, Pattern, Small Ruminants, Sokoto, Ticks