Epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle at slaughter in Lafenwa abattoir, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

An epidemiological survey of haemoparasitic infection in trade cattle was carried out at Lafenwa abattoir, Abeokuta, from August to November 2008. Thin Blood film and Haematocrit Centrifugation Techniques were used to detect haemoparasites. A total of 452 cattle that comprised 174 cows and 278 bulls were examined. The breeds included 78 'Red Bororo', 14 'Sokoto Gudali' and 360 'White Fulani'. Packed cell volume (PCV), red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin concentration (Hb), total white blood cell (WBC) count and differential counts of WBC, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) were measured. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Genstat statistical software, with sex and breed and blood parasite species detected as factors. Results showed that 22% of the cattle were infected with haemoparasites while 78% were parasite-free. The parasites were Trypanosoma congolence (4%), Anaplasma central (2%), Babesia bovis (14%), A. centrale + B. bovis (1%) and Babesia divergens (1%). Parasite species identified significantly influenced (P < 0.001) the PCV, RBC, and Hb concentration. The prevalence rates observed is considered to be of epidemiological and economic importance because infected animals might be sources of infection to other healthy herds in the area.