Prevalence and factors associated with gastrointestinal helminths in goats in Muyembe Subcounty, Bulambuli District

Abstract

Globally, goat production is an important component of the livestock sector that contributes to food and nutritional security, incomes and sustainable agriculture especially in developing countries like Uganda. However, the performance of goats is hindered by many factors and one of them being gastrointestinal helminths which causes, loss of weight, reduced fertility and death. A cross-sectional study was carried out between April and May 2023 in Muyembe sub county, Bulambuli District to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths. Randomly selected goats farmers (30) were interviewed, one hundred fifty five (155) fecal samples were collected and analyzed for presence of helminths using laboratory techniques. Faecal egg counts and morphological egg identification were used to estimate the burden of gastrointestinal helminths. Data was analyzed using SPSS software (version 27). Chi-square tests were done to determine the relationship between risk factors and findings of the prevalence of GIT helminths. The overall individual animal prevalence of GIT helminths was 75.5% and the herd level prevalence was 93.3%. Strongyles were the most common (71.8%), followed by Ascarids (35.9%), Moniezia (15.4%), Fasciola and Strongyloides had the same percentage (6.8%), Taenia (4.3%), and Ttrichuris (2.6%). At herd level, the study revealed a statistical significance (p< 0.05) on frequency of cleaning where goats stay, deworming goats and who deworms the goats. Worm burdens were highest (500 eggs and above) in Mubende breed of goats (81.6%) and those that were under tethering production system (72.1%) with the Sannane having the least percentage (50%). 37.6% of goats had more than one type of worms while 62.4% had a single infection. Boer goats were protected from the infestation compared to other breeds of goats. It was concluded that there was high prevalence of GIT helminths in goats of Muyembe. Therefore, particular attention should be given to the management of goats. A general means of reducing infestation might be systematic through awareness provision to the community regarding different ways of controlling worms including regular testing and de-worming of goats.