Abstract

A preliminary survey was conducted to determine the prevalence of some tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases (TBHDs) and their effects on the haematological parameters of sheep and goats in Maiduguri abattoir. A total of 200 blood samples were collected from sheep (n = 100) and goats (n = 100) from November 2015 to May 2016. Giemsa stained blood smears were prepared and examined under light microscope, to screen for haemoparasites. Packed cell volume (PCV) was determined by microhaematocrit centrifugation technique while haemoglobin (Hb) concentration was determined by Sahli’s method. The total white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were estimated with Neubauer hemocytometer while erythrocyte indices were calculated. The results showed 13.5% overall prevalence of tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases in sheep 13 (6.5%) and goats 14 (7.0%). There was no significant (p>0.05) differences in prevalence of haemoparasites between sexes and age groups of sheep and goats. Anaplasma ovis and Babesia ovis were identified in the study of which A. ovis [23 (11.5%)] was higher (p<0.05) than B. ovis [2 (1.0%)]. A single co-infection of A. ovis and B. ovis was encountered in sheep. The mean values of PCV, Hb and RBC counts of infected sheep were lower (p<0.05) than the uninfected sheep. Similarly, the mean values of Hb and WBC of were significantly (p<0.05) lower in infected goats. This stud has reports important tick-borne haemoparasitic diseases in sheep and goats. We recommend tick control using suitable acaricides, periodic screening and treatment of small ruminants in Maiduguri.

Key words: Anaemia, Anaplasma ovis, Babesia ovis, haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cell count.