PREVALENCE OF FASCIOLOSIS IN NOMADIC PASTORALIST’S CATTLE HERDS IN OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in nomadic pastoralist‘s cattle herds in Oyo state, Nigeria.Faecal samples were collected from 750 apparently healthy cattle. An overall infestation of 399 (53.2%)were recorded. The prevalence from three selected geographical zones in the state were82.0%, 34.8% and 42.8% for Ibarapa, Ogbomoso and Oke-ogun zones respectively. Thebreeds based prevalencerecorded were Bunaji168 (50.9%), Bukoloji 125(50.8%) and Rahaji 106(60.9%).Based on sex,the result revealed higher prevalence in females 266(56.7%) than males 133(50.4%). In relation toage,higher prevalence was recorded in adultswith 249 (56.1%) and the least inyoung with 150(49.0%).Seasonal distribution of the diseaserecordedwere 36.9%,57.4%,73.4% and 44.9% for early dry,  late dry, early wet and late wet seasons respectively.There was significant association between the prevalence of fasciolosis and location and season at P˂0.01. However, no significantassociation was observed between the prevalence of the disease and the sex, age and breeds of cattle (P˂0.05). The result of the study showed the presence of fasciolosis in the study area. It is recommended that periodic medication of affected animals and public enlightenment of the nomads on the mode of transmission of fasciolosis should be employed. Control of snails intermediate host is also essential for the control of the disease.