Parasitological Screening of Haemo-Parasites of Small Ruminants in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Aim: To determine the prevalence rate and severity of haemoparasitic infections in small ruminants, using age and sex as associating factors.

Study Design: This research study was done using random sampling technique.

Place and Duration of Study: Karu Local Government Area abattoirs, Nasarawa State; Department of Biological Sciences, Bingham University, Karu, between April 2015 and July 2015.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty five (265) blood samples were examined microscopically at ×100 objective using oil immersion. Thin blood films were prepared using Giemsa’s stain, 87 sheep blood samples and 178 goat blood samples were included. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined using capillary tubes, Hawksley haematocrit centrifuge and reader.

Results: A significantly high prevalence rate of 43.39% was recorded for haemoparasites of small ruminants (P<0.001). The genera of haemoparasites observed were Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria, with A. marginale having the highest prevalence of 13.96% and T. hirci having the least prevalence with 1.88%. Anaplasma was most prevalent (20.7%) in goats while the most prevalent in sheep was Babesia (34.48%). Theileria had the least prevalence in both sheep (8.05%) and goats (2.81%). In goats, males had the most prevalence while females were most prevalent for sheep. Blood samples with A. marginale had the highest mean PCV of 35.89%, while B. motasi had the least mean PCV of 31.82% (P<0.05; P=0.01). However, the PCV results significantly showed neither anaemic conditions nor dehydration as they fell within 22-38% range.

Conclusion: There was high rate of haemoparasitaemia of small ruminants in both sexes, although the infections were not severe. This could have a negative effect on meat and milk production, as well as their consumers, hence, measures should be taken to prevent and provide control strategies against these haemoparasites and enhance food security to meat consumers.