Journal of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
(ISSN: 2659 – 0743)
Volume 2, No. 1, 2020
Pages 77-81
Prevalence and Assessment of Herd Owner’s Knowledge on
Strongylosis in Cattle in Kaduna State, Nigeria
Farouk, U. M.1 Ibrahim, S.2 Musa, G. A.2 Danbirni, S2. and Sackey, A. K. B2
1Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria
2Department of Veterinary Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria.
ABSTRACT
Helminthosis caused by gastrointestinal parasites is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in cattle. Among the various helminth infections, strongyles appear to be the most common presenting various pathologies resulting to serious economic loss to the cattle industry. This study was carried out in order to investigate the occurrence of strongylosis in cattle and also assess herd owner’s knowledge on helminthic
infection and control measures among cases reported to Veterinary Teaching Hospital Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (between May to November 2018). A total of 22 cases with history of helminth infection were presented to the Teaching Hospital. During the study period a total of 200 feacal samples were collected randomly from 22 herds which were spread across Kaduna State. The samples collected were subjected to coproscopy (flotation and sedimentation methods) and coproculture in order to determine the occurrence of strongyles and other concurrent gastrointestinal parasites in cattle. Herd owner’s knowledge about strongylosis, its health impact and control measures was assessed through focus group discussion. Out of the 200 feacal samples examined an overall occurrence of 26% indicated Stronglye infection. Occurrences of other gastrointestinal parasites include Coccidia (8%) and Moniezia (1.5%). Detection and identification of stronglye larvae using coproculture showed Trichostrongylus specie (12%) Haemonchusspecie (7%) and Cooperia (1%).Assessment of herd owner’s knowledge on helminthic infection indicated that(100%) of the herd owner’s interviewed knew the infection with local name (Tsutsaor Masatsaku), (60%) can identify it based on rough hair coat while 40% can identify it based on diarrhea. Majority of the herd owner’s (90%) have knowledge on ways of transmission through ingestion while (10%) consider it to be through aerosol. Among the respondents (40%) have the knowledge of use of anthelmintic to treat while (60%) don’t have that knowledge. In conclusion the study has indicated that stronglye infection is common among the herds sampled with subclinical presentation although it may pose some negative impact on the health of the animal and that could affect productivity. It is hereby recommended that herd owner’s should be educated on helminth infection as well as sensitize them on the various strategies for the control and prevention
Keywords: Herd Owner’s, Cattle, Strongylosis, Coproscopy, Coproculture,