Intestinal Helminths of Cattle Slaughtered for sale within Gboko Metropolis, Benue State, Nigeria.

Abstract

A total of 405 faecal samples were collected at three locations: Gboko Main Market Abattoir, Yandev and Mkar to determine the prevalence of intestinal helminthes of cattle slaughtered for sale within Gboko Metropolis of Benue State, Nigeria, between June 2012 and July 2013. Floatation and Sedimentation techniques were used in the faecal examination. Positive samples were cultured for larvae identification. An overall prevalence of 240 (59.3%) was obtained. 9 (75%) nematodes, 2 (16.7%) trematodes and 1 (8.3%) cestode were identified, which included Haemonchuse 41 (17.1%), Fasciola 37 (15.4%), Trichostrongylus 27 (11.3%), Paramphistomum 25 (10.4%), Toxocara  24 (10%), Oesophagostumum  23 (9.6%), Bunostomum  22 (9.2%), Co-operia  14 (5.9%), Chabertia  12 (5%), Strongyloides 4 (1.7%), Moniezia  9 (3.8%), and Dictyocaulus 2 (0.9%). There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in rates of infection between the three study locations. However, statistical analysis showed significant differences in levels of infection by gender and age of cattle (p<0.05).Poly-parasitism was common (67.5%) while mono-parasitism was rare (32.5%) and not significant (p>0.05). Presentation of cattle to veterinarians for routine treatment and regular cleaning of pens is recommended in order to improve the quality and quantity of beef produce in Gboko.