The prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal nematodes among goats in Lamiyo Subcounty, Agago District

Abstract

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) constraint goat production, particularly in smallholder farming systems. Despite the importance of goats to household livelihoods in Northern Uganda, there is limited information on GIN prevalence, worm burden, predominant nematode types and associated risk factors in Lamiyo subcounty, Agago District. This study determined the prevalence and infestation intensity of GIN, identified predominant nematode types and assessed the associated risk factors of gastrointestinal nematodes among goats in Lamiyo Subcounty, Agago District. A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2026 in goats aged six months and above. A total of 224 goats from 54 goat-keeping households were sampled. Information on animal characteristics, housing, grazing durations and deworming history was also collected using a pretested questionnaire to assess potential risk factors. The overall prevalence of GIN infestation was 92.9% and Strongyle-type nematodes were predominant, occurring in 87.1% of goats, followed by Strongyloides spp. at 53.1%. The mean fecal egg concentration (FEC) was significantly higher for Strongyles (646.2 EPG) than for Strongyloides spp. (95.3 EPG). The GIN prevalence did not differ significantly among the four parishes (p > 0.05). However, housing floor type and grazing duration were significantly associated with GIN infestation. Goats kept on raised floors had lower odds of infestation than those housed on earthen floors (aOR = 0.5, p = 0.021), while goats grazing for more than 7 hours per day had lower odds of infestation than those grazing for six hours or less (aOR = 0.3, p < 0.001). The high prevalence of GIN may be attributed to earthen housing floor type and short grazing duration (less than 7 hours). The study demonstrates that GIN are highly endemic and constitute an important constraint to goat health and productivity in Lamiyo Subcounty. Integrated control measures, including strategic and targeted deworming under veterinary guidance and use of slated housing type are recommended. Further studies should identify GIN to species level, assess seasonal variation in worm burden and investigate anthelmintic resistance across Northern Uganda.