Ectoparasites Infesting Livestock In Three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Authors
Tongjura J. D. C
Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Amuga G. A.
Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Ombugadu R. J.
Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Azamu Y.
Department of Biological Sciences, Nasarawa State University, Keffi.
Mafuiya H. B.
Department of Zoology, University of Jos
Abstract
Ectoparasites of live stock are a common problem in tropical countries. Their prevalence and corresponding effects vary from place to place. Ectoparasites of livestock (cattle, sheep and goat) were sampled in three local Government Areas of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Three thousand, six hundred (3,600) live stock consisting of one thousand two hundred of cattle, sheep and goats accordingly, were examined for ectoparasites. Tick infestation was more prevalent among cattle (73.3%) followed by sheep (49.5%) and goat (39.3%). Fleas infestation was 50.7% in cattle, 41.8% in sheep and 32.6% in goats. Both long and short noise lice were recorded, 43.9% in cattle, 33.3% in sheep and 18% in goat. All the ectoparasite species recorded had higher infestation rate in cattle, followed by sheep and goat in that order. The economic and health implications of the study were discussed.
