Prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in goats and cattle in Sekyi Parish,Wabinyonyi Subcounty, Nakasongola District, Central Uganda

Abstract

Livestock production in Uganda is hindered by challenges that include endemic diseases, scarcity of water, effective extension services as well as marketing infrastructure among others. One of the health challenges is coccidiosis, a stress-related enteric disease that affects goats, cattle, buffaloes, rabbits and poultry globally. Livestock coccidiosis in Uganda is generally underreported as most studies have been conducted in poultry. However, recent studies have shown a high prevalence of coccidiosis among all ages of cattle and goats. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence and risk factors associated with coccidiosis in cattle and goats raised under extensive management system in Sekyi Parish, Nakasongola District, Uganda. A descriptive cross-sectional study employed quantitative methods of data collection and was conducted during the month of october.2021 from 7 randomly selected farms using semi-structured questionnaires. At each farm, 5 goats and 5 cattle of all ages and sex were randomly selected. Each animal was examined and assigned a body condition score, hair coat appearance was examined and any other clinical sign associated with coccidiosis were recorded. About 5g of fecal sample were picked directly from the rectum of the assessed animals and taken to Central diagnostic Veterinary Laboratory, Makerere University and tested for presence of coccidian oocysts using floatation and McMaster technique. Majority of the farmers, (42.8%) were aged 32 years and above, 85.7%, were male; 42.9%, attained primary education while 71.4%were farmers and had no other employment. A total of 82.9% of the (58/70) of the animals sampled tested positive for coccidiosis; 24.4% (24/70) were scored as moderate, followed by heavy 30%(21/70) and light 18.6% (13/70). Study respondents who owned farms because it was culture (P-value=0.03] were 0.08 less likely to have animals which tested positive for coccidiosis at a 95% confidence interval. Goats were 6.6 times(P-value=0.02] more likely to test positive for coccidiosis as compared to cattle. Also Boer goats,( P-value=0.04] were 7.41 times more likely to test positive for coccidiosis as compared to other breeds of goats. In addition, animals which fed on pasture and mineral supplements [ P-value=0.018] were 4.10 times more likely to test positive for coccidiosis. Generally, there was a high prevalence of coccidiosis (82.9%) among the animals in the assessed farms. Purpose of farming was negatively associated with high prevalence of coccidiosis. Species, breed, type of animal feeds given and coccidiosis control measures were found to be positively associated with high prevalence of coccidiosis in the assessed farms. Much effort of controlling coccidiosis, therefore, should be put on animal breed, species and the method of feeding.