ABSTRACT
Parasitic infections particularly gastrointestinal parasites pose a serious health threat and negatively impacts cattle production via its associated morbidity, mortality, treatment and control costs. Also, most of these parasitic infections are zoonotic and thus could pose a deleterious threat to public health. The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite among cattle sold in Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty (150) different rectal faecal samples were collected from cattle across three different major locations in Benin city, Edaiken cattle market in Egor Local Government Area, Ovbiogie cattle farm, Ovbiogie Community, in Ovia North East Local Government Area and Evbuomore cattle farm in Ovia North East Local Government, Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. where these cattle are reared. Faecal specimens were examined macroscopically for the presence of adult worm, Mucus, Blood, Colour and Consistency and also microscopically using the sedimentation technique (formol ether concentration). Result showed that of the 150 faecal samples examined, 25 (16.7%) were infected with gastrointestinal parasitic agents. Out of the 25 cattle (16.7%) identified as positive, 3 (2%) cattle had mixed parasites while a single infection was recorded in 22 cattle (14.7%). The most frequent parasite recovered was Toxocara species (6.7%) followed by Entamoeba species (6%), Ascaris (3.3%), Strongyloides species (2%) and Schistosoma species (0.67%). Mixed parasitic infections included Entamoeba + Ascaris species, Toxocara + Entamoeba species and Strongyloides + Entamoeba species. There was a significant difference between presence of single and mixed infection based on study location. Evbuomore had the highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites from cattles (28%), followed by Obviogie (14%) while Edaiken cattle market had the lowest prevalence (8%) (p=0.023). Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite was higher in female cattle (30.6%) when compared to male cattle (9.9%) (p=0.001). There was no significant relationship between age of cattle and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. These findings imply that there is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite among cattle. It is essential to establish routine parasite monitoring programs for cattle herds. Regular screening will also enable early detection of infections and help farmers and veterinarians take timely action to prevent the spread of parasites.
