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PROJECT TOPIC:  DETERMINE THE PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTH AMONG SLAUGHTERED CATTLE
Department:  Microbiology
AMOUNT:  10,000
FORMAT:   MS WORD
PAGES:  87
 
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As part of an ongoing project to investigate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths of cattle in Nigeria, we carried out a systematic random sampling of cattle slaughtered in a major abattoir in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria. Using sedimentation and floatation methods, we analyzed fecal samples from 397 animals between March and May 2013. Overall, 163 (41.6%) of the animals had at least one gastrointestinal helminth egg, comprising a total of eight helminths from different genera (i.e., four nematodes, three trematodes, and one cestode), with nematode infection being the highest (71.54%). In addition, eggs of four helminths of zoonotic importance were also obtained. Among the cattle examined, the Bunaji breed was the most infected (46%; 69/150). Furthermore, female animals (; 95% CI: 0.60–1.84) and animals with moderate body condition (; 95% CI: 0.80–1.79) are more likely to be positive to helminth infection. Our findings reveal that there were helminth infections of both zoonotic and socioeconomic importance among the cattle screened. Considering the impact of the infections on animal production and public health, we advocate that effective prophylactic measures be adopted as a first step to curtail helminth infections of cattle in Nigeria.

1. Introduction

Cattle, the most prominent domesticated livestock in Nigeria, represent a valuable asset in both traditional and modern agriculture; in addition, they also provide meat, milk, skin, and draught power for farming [1]. In some traditional settings, they also play an essential role in the socioeconomic system, representing family wealth or they can be regarded as a survival kit by nomadic people [2]. In Nigeria, the livestock sector contributes 5.2% of the gross domestic products (GDP) while cattle production solely contributes 50% of the total meat [3]. Meat is one of the most important livestock products, although there could be losses due to various diseases including helminth infections. The quantity of meat and revenue obtained from domestic livestock is far below the national demand due to factors such as death and ill health with associated reduced productivity and increased cost of treatment [4–6].

Helminths are known to be a major constraint to ruminants’ well-being and productive performance [7–9]. Gastrointestinal helminths are ubiquitous parasitic agents of livestock especially ruminants and are known to limit cattle production in many areas and countries [7, 9]. Mortality of animals due to parasitic diseases may not be alarming at times but their indirect effects on livestock productivity and their zoonotic impact on human health are considerably greater [10–12]. Indirect losses associated with helminth infections include the reduction in productive potential such as decreased growth rate, weight loss, diarrhea, anorexia, and sometimes anaemia [13–15].

The most important predisposing factors of helminth infections are grazing habits, climate, nutritional deficiency, pasture management, immunological status, vector, presence of intermediate host, and the number of infective larvae and eggs in the environment [16]. The effect of helminth infections is determined by a combination of factors, of which the varying susceptibility of the host species, the pathogenicity of the parasite species, the host/parasite interaction, and the infective dose are the most important [17].

A literature review of the last decade reveals paucity of information on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of slaughtered cattle in south-western Nigeria. This current study therefore aims at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths of slaughtered cattle in south-western Nigeria. This is with a view of providing a baseline epidemiological data on this group of parasites and other livestock diseases of economic and zoonotic importance in an ongoing study in Nigeria.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Study Area

This study was carried out at the Bodija Municipal Abattoir, a major abattoir located in Ibadan, south-western Nigeria. Cattle slaughtered in this abattoir are mostly sourced from different cattle rearing regions of Nigeria (mainly northern Nigeria) and some neighboring African countries including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Mali, and Niger. Hence, this abattoir serves as a good source of sentinel survey for diseases (including helminthic infections) from different regions of Nigeria and beyond. Again, because of its location and large number of animals slaughtered, this abattoir serves as a major source of meat consumed in Ibadan, a cosmopolitan city with a population of about 4 million people.

2.2. Sample Collection and Identification

Systematic random sampling method was employed in selecting cattle that were screened at antemortem. For each animal screened, parameters such as the sex, breed, and body condition score were recorded. Faecal samples were collected per rectum into well-labeled sterile polythene bags and transported in ice packs to the Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, where they were examined for helminth egg according to the protocols earlier described by Thienpoint [18] and Khin-Khin [19]. Eggs were identified on the basis of their morphological features as described by Soulsby [20].

2.3. Data Analysis

Data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using percentages in determining the prevalence rates in the different breeds, sex, and body condition score groups. Prevalence of helminthosis in relation to sex, breed, and body condition score was analyzed using Chi-square statistical test.

3. Results

In all, 397 cattle were screened and 163 (41.6%) were positive for gastrointestinal helminth eggs. We found several helminths from eight genera, including four nematodes (strongyle-type eggs, Strongyloides spp., Toxocara vitulorum, and Nematodirus spp.) (Figure 1); three trematodes (Paramphistomum spp., Fasciola gigantica, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) (Figure 2); and one cestode (Moniezia benedeni) (Figure 3). The prevalence of all identified parasitic helminth eggs (Table 1) showed that strongyle-type eggs had the highest prevalence, and Nematodirus spp. present the least occurrence.

 

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