Prevalence of Zoonotic Gastrointestinal Parasite in Cattle Slaughtered at Gwadabawa Abattoir of Sokoto State, Nigeria

Abstract

Infectious diseases and malnutrition are some of the issues in Sokoto, Nigeria. Cattle remain significantly important in providing health and economic benefits to the people. However, cattle productions are affected by zoonoses, and in turn endangering the health of people. The current study will help in many ways and will invariably strengthen the bond between veterinary and medical workers. This study investigated the prevalence of zoonotic helminthes in cattle slaughtered at Gwadabawa abattoir of Sokoto State, Nigeria. About 5g of fecal samples were collected from 108 cattle and examined for presence of the parasites. Helminthes eggs and oocysts were detected using formal-ether concentration techniques. The results revealed an overall prevalence of 10.2% (11/108) for zoonotic parasites, from two genera Fasciola 7.4% (8/108) and Taenia 2.8% (3/108). Males had the higher prevalence 12% (6/50) of helminths infection than females 8.6% (5/58). Older cattle appeared to be more infected with 12.5% (5/48) of the infection compared to younger ones 8.3% (5/60). There were no significant (p<0.05) differences between infection and sex or ages of the cattle. Significantly (P<0.05), the prevalence based on breed showed that mixed breed cattle had the highest prevalence 17.1% (6/35) followed by Red Fulani 8.3% (4/48) and Sokoto Gudali 5.3% (1/19). Therefore, it is imperative to advocate for the provision of sanitary facilities at the abattoir, and among vendors; and the public should subject meat to proper preparation methods to minimize helminthes infections.