Prevalence And Risk Factors of Haemoparasitic Infections In Sheep (Ovis Aries) And Goats (Capra Hircus) Slaughtered At Jibia Modern Abattoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

Haemoparasites are blood-borne parasites that cause a range of clinical conditions, from fatal infections to subclinical presentations. This study investigates the prevalence and associated risk factors of haemoparasitic infections in sheep and goats slaughtered at Jibia Modern Abattoir, Katsina State, between December 2021 and May 2022. Blood samples were collected monthly from the jugular veins of 320 animals (160 sheep and 160 goats). Thin and thick blood smear techniques were used for parasitological analysis. Three parasites were identified: Anaplasma species had the highest prevalence at 3.02% in goats, followed by Theileria species (1.67%) and Babesia species (1.46%). The findings underscore the importance of targeted control measures to mitigate the impact of haemoparasitic infections on livestock productivity.