The epidemiology of nematodes and liver fluke infections in sheep in Nyandarua District of Kenya

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence, intensity of infection and management systems associated with gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in grazing ruminants (cattle, sheep and goats). Faecal samples were collected from 277 cattle, 104 sheep and 94 goats, from different areas in Jakiri. Samples were analysed using the Formol-ether concentration technique. 318 samples were found positive with one or more parasites giving an overall prevalence of 66.9%. Goats recorded the highest (90.4%) prevalence of GIT parasites, followed by sheep (73.1%), and the least prevalence was observed in cattle (56.7%). Concerning the various management techniques, prevalence of GIT parasites were higher in tethered animals (88.1%) followed by free range grazing animals (60.9%). Animals confined in paddocks had the least prevalence (45.5%). Eimeria species recorded the highest prevalence (20.9%) among the various species of parasites encountered during the study in cattle, Trichostrongylus species and Eimeria spp. in sheep (28.8%) while the highest prevalence in goats was Trichostrongylus spp. (55.8). Mixed infections of Trichostrongylus spp., Eimeria spp. and Haemonhus species were most prevalent in all the animal species. The prevalences of Fasciola species and Moneiza species were significantly low in all the three animal groups in the study area. Adults were more infected compared to young stock animals (lambs and kids). This work provides an important step to minimize economic losses in ruminants by providing information that will help farmers practice the right traditional management techniques.