The Occurence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Slaughtered Cattle in Azare, North-East Nigeria

A Cross-sectional Study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (G.I.) helminths parasites in slaughtered cattle at Azare abattoir, Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, North-Eastern Nigeria. One hundred and twenty faecal samples were examined using the floatation and sedimentation method. Out of the total samples tested, G.I.helminths infections were detected in 62 samples tested, giving an overall prevalence of 51.6%. Class nematodes are the most diverse class (56.5%), followed by trematodes (35.5%), while cestodes are the least prevalent (8.1%). There was a statistically significant difference in G.I. helminths’ prevalence among different classes (p 0.05). The Red Bororo breeds had the highest prevalence of 75%, while the least was recorded in White Fulani and Sokoto Gudali, 40% each. There was a statistically significant difference in G.I helminth infection’s prevalence rate to breed (p < 0.05).This study revealed that Fasciola  spp. (15%) is the most prevalent G.I.helminths parasites detected, followed by Oesophagostomum  spp (11.7%); Haemonchus  spp. (9.2%); Strongyloides spp. (8.3%),  Schistosoma spp.(3.3%); and Moniezia spp. (1.67%). Our findings from the present study revealed a high prevalence of G.I. helminths species affecting cattle in Azare, North-East Nigeria. Therefore, there is a great need for proper advocacy on appropriate management, regular deworming practices, and improved cattle hygiene to boost animal production. This will help in curbing significant loss to Nigeria’s economy and the world in general.