11 Agba.cdr

© Nigerian Annals of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol 3 June, 2020, NAPAS re a u n P d f A o p s p l l a ie n d n S A c n ie ai n r c e e gi s N pp 97 102 Abbatoir Survey of Intestinal Parasites among Sheep in Katsina State, Nigeria 98 | Abbatoir Survey of Intes nal Parasites among Sheep in Katsina State, Nigeria Introduction Nigeria has an estimated 22.1 million sheep of various breeds found predominantly in the northern region due to the favourable microclimatic conditions (Bourn et al., 2018). In Nigeria, sheep are not only kept for meat and skin but also for religious and social ceremonies as well as a source of income (Lawal-Adebowale, 2012; Adua et al., 2017). Gastro intestinal parasites which include various helminthes and protozoan parasites are world-wide problem to some animals in tropical and subtropical countries but their impact is greater in Sub-Saharan Africa due to the availability of a wide range of agro-ecological factors suitable for diversified hosts and parasite species (Regassa et al., 2006; Murthy and Rao, 2014; Karaye et al., 2018 ). These parasites causes considerable global economic losses as a consequence of reduced weight gain, digestive disturbance, lowered production, impaired reproductive performance, condemnation of affected organs, and mortality of infected animals (Raza et al., 2007). In sheep, the wool quality and yield is reduced due to deficiency in essential amino acids which is required for the growth of the wool and grease fleece (Murthy and Rao, 2014). Although several studies have been carried out with respect to diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in animals in different parts of Nigeria (Jatau et al., 2011; Jegede et al., 2015; Paul et al., 2016; Karaye et al., 2018). To the best of our knowledge, only one study has been carried out in Katsina State on sheep. Okaiyeto et al . (2008) in their survey of gastrointestinal parasites of nomadic sheep in eight Local Government Areas of Northern Nigeria, were able to survey only one Local Government Area within Katsina State. This present study is necessary to give a proper and more detail understanding of the diversity, prevalence, distribution and risk factors associated with infection within the state for rational design of effective preventive and control measures against the infections. Materials and Methods Study Area The study was carried out in six Local Governments Areas within Katsina State. Katsina State covers an area of 24,192 sq km and is located between latitudes 12°15 ́N; 12°50 ́N and longitudes 7°30 ́E; 7°58 ́E. The state is bounded to the north by Niger Republic, to the east by Jigawa and Kano States, to the west by Zamfara State and to the south by Kaduna State. Water supply is sourced through the damming of rivers, reservoirs and digging of wells and boreholes because most of the rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs dry out during the dry season. The state has a varying climate with a cool dry season (harmattan) from October to February, hot dry season from March to May and a warm wet season from June to September. Study design Two Local Government Areas were selected from each of the three vegetation zones giving a total of six Local Governments. 700 faecal samples were collected and examined for presence of intestinal parasites. The study was carried out from November 2017 to October 2018 to cover both the dry and rainy seasons. Table 1: List of Vegetation Zones and Local Government Abattoirs sampled Vegetation Zone s Characteristics of each Vegetation Zone Local Government Areas Sampled Coordinates of Sampled Local Government Area Zone A Southern part of t he state; vegetation similar to that of the Northern Guinea Savanna ; mean annual rainfall about 1000mm Funtua Kafur 11° 32 " N; 7°19 " E and