PREVALENCE OF HAEMOPARASITES IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS OF SMALLHOLDERS HOUSEHOLDS IN IGBOORA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Haemoparasitism has been a major problem to livestock production, resulting in high morbidity and mortality, especially in small ruminants. This research examined the prevalence of haemoparasites in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats of smallholder households in Igbooora, Oyo State, Nigeria. Study was carried out from the month of March to August, 2020. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 232 goats from different households. Giemsa stained blood smears were prepared and
examined under light microscope at ×100 objective using oil immersion, to screen for haemoparasites. Factors such as age, sex and body condition were considered as risk factors. Data was presented using descriptive statistics, Chi square test was used to determine significance between categorical variables at 95% confidence interval while OR was used to determine significance of risk factors. P values <0.05 were considered significant. The study revealed an overall haemoparasites prevalence of 68 (29.3%) in WAD goats. The haemoparasites encountered were Anaplasma sp 45 (19.4%) and Babesia sp 15 (6.5%), while four (1.7%) of the goats had a co-inection of both Anaplasma and Babesia genera. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of haemoparasites among the different age groups, sexes and BCS of goats screened. The prevalence of haemoparasites recorded in this study could have a negative effect on the productivity of goats. We recommend tick control using suitable acaricides on goats in Igboora and regular examination of goats for haematological parameters is also encouraged, as it will enable early detection of infections and treatment.