ASSESSMENT OF HAEMOPARASITES AMONG NOMADIC CATTLE IN LANLATE, OYO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The prevalence of haemoparasites among nomadic cattle in Lanlate, Nigeria was studied. A cross sectional study was conducted to examine and to collect blood samples from 403 cattle for analyses. Factors such as age, breed, sex and body condition score were obtained from all cattle examined. Giemsa stained thin blood smear method was used to screen blood samples for presence of haemoparasites. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistics for prevalence determination and associated factors of prevalence of haemoparasites in cattle. An overall prevalence of 141 (35%) was recorded for haemoparasitic infection; 93 (23.1%) cattle had Anaplasma spp., 51 (12.7%) Babesia spp., 6 (1.5%) Trypanosoma spp. and 5(1.2%) Theileria spp. There was a significant association (p<0.05) between age and prevalence of haemoparasites. This study has established the prevalence of certain haemoparasite species in the study area, hence, the need to adopt periodic and strategic use of anti-protozoan as prophylactic measures to control haemoparasites in cattle.