Abstract

The survey of common gut helminth of goat in Ankpa Local Government Area (L.G.A), Kogi State was carried out between August, 2013 and November, 2013. Faecal samples of 248 goats were collected from Ankpa abattoir, and screened using floatation and sedimentation methods in the Biological Sciences Laboratory, Kogi State University, Anyigba. The result revealed that out of 62 samples of adult males examined, 47 were positive with a total of 76% nematode parasite while 15 faecal samples were not infected. Out of 62 adult females examined, 49 were positive with a total of 79% nematode parasites. There is no significant difference between the rates of infection in male and female adults (P > 0.05). For 62 young male examined, 53 were positive with a total of 85% while for 62 young female examined, 51 were positive with a total of 82%. The data analysis between male and female young goats showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Results revealed that most of the goats were infected with nematode’s eggs/larvae (85%) of Strongyloides species, Oesophagostomum species, Trichostrongylus species, Haemonchus species, Ostertagia species, Bunostomum species, Gongylonema species, Giageria species, Ascaris species and Trichuris species followed by cestode’s eggs (14%) of Avitellina species, Taenia species and Trematode’s eggs (1%) of Schistosoma bovis. The minor helminth like trematodes and cestodes were least manifested in the faecal samples analyzed which may be as a result of seasonal infestation and/or the system of management used (semi-intensive management system) in Ankpa. The whole outcome of the work revealed that goats slaughtered at Ankpa abattoir are not free from infection. Hence there is need for effective system of management and treatment before consumption.

Key words: Helminths, infection, public health importance and goats.