The epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats in the low potential areas of Thika District, Kenya

Abstract

The prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal nematode infections in goats in four small scale farms (< 5ha each with less than 30 goats) in the low potential areas of Thika District, Kenya, was studied over a period of one year. The prevalence and intensity of infection varied with the farms and the weather conditions. The differences in the age groups were observed only during the dry season when the kids had higher eggs per gram of faeces (EPG's) than the young and the adults. There was a rise in faecal egg counts during the long rains (April - June) and during the heavy short rains experienced towards the end of the study period (November - February). Anthelmintic treatments were given to all the goats on the farms depending on the level of the faecal egg counts. Four treatments were given during the rainy season (months) and one at the end of the dry season in September. These treatments were followed by reduced faecal egg counts. Haemonchus contortus was the main nematode recovered from coprocultures. It was concluded that the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal helminth infection in goats in this area varied with seasons and that H. contortus was the main nematode infecting the goats. Bull Anim. Hlth. Prod. Afr. (2004) 53,5-12