Prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal helminths in goats in Kihungya Sub-County Buliisa District

Abstract

Small ruminants are a major source for cash for many rural populations especially in semi-arid and arid regions of developing countries. The contribution of small ruminants would be greater if it was not due to diseases . Among them is gastrointestinal helminths, which often cause chronic infestations leading to economic losses. Humans also tend to be victims of some of the helminths like fasciola, teania species and many other zoonotic parasites. A cross sectional study was done in January 2019 to determine the prevalence,and risk factors of gastrointestinal helminths in goats in Kihungya subcounty, Buliisa district. A total of 100 fecal samples from (Male and female goats) were examined for helminths eggs. Fresh faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum with a gloved hand and placed in fecal collection bags, with 10% formalin , labelled and were transported to Makerere university parasitology laboratory. Sedimentation and Floatation techniques were done to identify helminth eggs. Questionnaires were also used to obtain information related to the transmission and spread of gastrointestinal helminths. The individual animal prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths was found to be 90% and herd prevalence was 100%. Strongyles (Trichostrongyloidea, Oxuroidea,Spiruroidea and Trichuroidea) were the most prevalent family followed by the ascarids. The prevalence was higher in younger goats , goats with poor body condition and goats with watery feaces. It can be concluded from this study that nematode infections are the most prevalent and that farmers should be advised to do tactical deworming to combat helminthosis in their goats.