Prevalence of fascioliasis among slaughtered goats in selected abattoirs in Imo State, Nigeria

A 12 months study on fascioliasis in sokoto gudali sheep of Hausa origin (northern part of Nigeria) was carried out in five different abattoirs in Imo State, Nigeria between 2004 and 2005.The abattoirs were Obinze, Okigwe, Afor-Enyiogugu, Afor-Ogbe, and Orlu .The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of fascioliasis among slaughter sheep in selected abattoirs in Imo state. Five grams of feces and liver from freshly slaughtered sheep of both sexes, and from different locations and ages were collected, taken to the laboratory and analyzed for fasciola eggs and adult flukes. Direct smear, formol ether concentration and sodium chloride floatation methods were used to harvest the eggs and adult parasites. Out of 367 sheep examined, 64 (17.2%0) were infected. Infection was highest in Obinze abattoir (29.6%) followed by Afor Enyiogugu abattoir with (29.0%) Okigwe (15.6%), Orlu (12.5%) and Afor Ogbe (12.4%). Infection was highest in females than in males and was also sex dependent. Among adult sheep (>2yrs) examined , 59 (14.9%) were infected while out of 38 young goats (<2yrs), 5 (13.2%) were infected. Infection level rose with increased rainfall with the highest level observed at the peak of the rainy season and dropping during the dry season months. The number of parasites were 180, and mean worm load 281. Intensity was higher in males than in females. This result therefore calls for an improved disease control and adequate sanitation programme for sheep rearers in the study area. (Njoku-Tony, R.F and Okoli, G.C. Prevalence of fascioliasis among slaughter sheep in selected abattoirs in Imo