STATUS OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHS OF SMALL RUMINANTS (SHEEP AND GOAT) SLAUGTERED AT JEGA ABATTOIR

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal helminths pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity, particularly in small ruminants, which are integral to the livelihoods of rural communities in developing regions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and species diversity of gastrointestinal helminths in small ruminants (sheep and goats) slaughtered at Jega Abattoir, Kebbi State, Nigeria. The research was conducted over a two-month period, capturing seasonal variations by collecting fecal samples during both wet and dry seasons. A total of 150 fecal samples were systematically collected and analyzed using the simple salt flotation method, a well-established technique for identifying helminth eggs. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was 56.67%, indicating a substantial parasitic burden within the studied population. The species identified included Haemonchus spp. (36.0%), Trichostrongylus spp. (9.33%), and Fasciola spp. (6.67%), reflecting the predominant helminthic threats faced by small ruminants in this area. The analysis further revealed variations in helminth prevalence based on animal species, gender, and age. Sheep exhibited a higher prevalence (51.76%) compared to goats (48.23%), with female small ruminants being more susceptible to infections than their male counterparts. Notably, the prevalence among female sheep was 61.2%, while female goats had a prevalence of 72.97%, suggesting a potential influence of reproductive status or management practices on infection rates. Additionally, young animals (under 1 year) demonstrated a higher infection rate (65.6% in young sheep and 70.9% in young goats) compared to adults, indicating that age-related immunity may play a role in susceptibility to helminth infections.