Haemoparasitic Infection In Red Sokoto Goats In Makurdi, Benue State

Among the various factors that cause decrease in productivity and maximum yield of livestock in Sub-tropical Africa, disease is the most prominent agent. Blood samples were collected from 240 Red Sokoto breed of goats from four abattoirs (Wurukum, Wadata, North bank, and Modern Market abattoirs) in Makurdi town, between October 2017 and January 2018, to check for the presence of the parasites. Of the 240 samples examined, 59 were positive for parasites,14(5.8%) of the positive samples were male and 45(18.8%) were female. Wurukum and Wadata markets had a tie of 19(7.9%) infected, North Bank, 14(5.8%) and Modern market, 7(2.9%). Parasites seen were Babesia spp [33(13.8%)], Anaplasma spp [13(5.4%)], Theileria spp [9(3.8%)]and Trypanosoma spp [4(1.7%)]. Cases of multiple infections were also recorded in four (4) goats. Babesia spp and Anaplasma spp topped chart with two (2) animals positive, while Babesia spp/Theileria spp and Theileria spp/Anaplasma spp both occurred in one animal each. This study therefore confirms the presence of these parasites in goats slaughtered at the various abattoirs in Makurdi and therefore paves way for in-depth studies on the conditions under which these animals are reared, their relative productivity and brooding capabilities with other animals kept under healthier and disease-controlled environment. Also, their conditions before they are brought to the slaughter house as confirmatory tests and hence, a measure to help tackle their spread and further destruction which they cause to the livestock system of the country.