A Three-Year Retrospective Study on the Occurrences and Management of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Jos

Gloria Pisha Karaye, Omoniwa David Dare, Datnin Danladi Makwin, Paul Davou Kaze.

Abstract

A retrospective study on the occurrence of helminthosis in small ruminants was conducted using clinical records from January 2022 to December
2024 at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, University of Jos. Out of 799 cases recorded, 397 (49.69%) were sheep, 395 (49.44%) goats, and 7 (0.88%)
mixed herds. Helminthosis was diagnosed in 208 (49.88%) ovine, 205 (49.16%) caprine, and 3 (0.38%) mixed cases. The highest number of cases
occurred in 2023 (157), followed by 2022 (143) and 2024 (120), with no significant difference (P>0.05). Based on sex, females had the highest
occurrence (132; 38.48%), followed by males (106; 30.61%) and others (105; 30.61%), with no significant variation (P>0.05). By age, adults were
most affected (107; 63.69%), followed by kids (43; 25.60%) and lambs (18; 10.71%). Breed distribution showed highest cases in Yankasa (25; 27.47%),
followed by Red Sokoto and Uda (17 each; 18.68%), Balami (12; 13.19%), Kano Brown (8; 8.79%), and others with lower frequencies. Breed was
not significantly associated with occurrence (P>0.05). Seasonal index indicated lowest occurrence from January (0.10) to March (0.15), rising from
April (0.20) to a peak in September (0.47), then declining to December (0.15). Occurrence was significantly higher in the rainy season (P<0.05).
Albendazole was the most commonly used anthelmintic (P<0.0001). The study highlights helminthosis as a major health concern, with risks of drug
resistance due to intensive and irregular treatment practices, emphasizing integrated parasite control strategies.