Abundance of Ectoparasites on Ruminant Animals in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State

Abstract

This study was conducted between November 2015 to February 2016using cattle sheep and goats in different flocksto investigate the abundance of ectoparasites in Langtang South Local Government Area of Plateau State in Nigeria. A total sample size of 100 animals was randomly selected and subjected to clinical examinations of ectoparasites. All species, sex and age group of local origin were included in the study having adults to be above one year and young to be less than one year. The population constituted indigenous cattle sheep and goats kept in small flocks and managed under the traditional extensive farming system. Clinical examinations of the ectoparasites of each study animal were performed by physical examinations of skin, inspection and palpation of skin across all parts of the animal for the presence of ectoparasites and gross lesions while identification was based on their morphological structures.The results show that the parasites were found mostly concentrated (13.8%) around the anus than most other parts due to the available soft tissues around the anus of cattle. Of the high concentration around the anus, Hyalomma were abundantly (25) identified than the Amblyomma (3) with the males having the highest abundance (16) than the females (12) and were also found to be concentrated around the scrotum (9.4%) but not as much as those of the anus.The result of Amblyomma and Hyalomma abundance on sheep shows that the females were higher (45) than the males (9). However, it was observed to be more on the body (21.4%) followed by anus (14.3%) and body and feed (12.5%) than other parts. The abundance of Amblyomma (45) was more than that of Hyalomma (11) with females being higher (45) than the males (9) in goats.Conclusively, all the animals examined were infested with ticks while sheep and goats showed low infestation rates compared with the collection made from the cattle. Strategic treatment of ruminants with insecticides should be practiced in the study area to minimize the impacts of ectoparasites on the health of the animals.