Epidemiological Characteristics and Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are a major constraint to small ruminant production, causing poor growth, reduced productivity, and economic losses. This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of GI parasites in sheep and goats in Toro Local Government Area (LGA), Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 210 small ruminants (101 sheep and 109 goats) were randomly sampled across three districts (Jama’a, Lame, and Toro). Faecal samples were examined using flotation and sedimentation techniques, and data were analyzed in RStudio using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
The overall prevalence of GI parasites was 82.9% (95% CI: 75.4–83.9). Goats (68.8%) were significantly more infected than sheep (43.6%) (p < 0.001). Males (64.7%) had higher infection rates than females (52.8%) (p = 0.004). District-level prevalence varied, with Toro showing the highest burden (73.8%) compared to Lame (56.2%) and Jama’a (41.7%) (p < 0.001). Age was not significantly associated with infection (p = 0.15). The most common parasites identified were Coccidia spp. (18.6%), Haemonchus spp. (12.4%), Fasciola spp. (16.2%), and Paramphistomum spp. (9.0%). The flotation method detected more parasites (87.1%) than sedimentation (25.2%).
This study reveals that GI parasites remain highly prevalent among small ruminants in Toro LGA, with species, sex, and district significantly influencing infection rates. The high burden underscores the need for integrated control strategies, including strategic deworming, improved grazing management, snail control in fascioliasis endemic areas, and farmer education. These interventions are critical to improving small ruminant health, productivity, and rural livelihoods in Nigeria.