EPIDEMIOLOGY OF GASTROINTESTINAL HELMINTHIASIS OF RIFT V ALLEY GOATS UNDER TRADITIONAL HUSBANDRY SYSTEM IN ADAMI TULU DISTRICT; ETHIOPIA

Abstract

The prevalence, mean intensity, relative 'density of
helminth species and the effects of environmental factors, sex and
maturity of host on seasonal dynamics in relative density of helminthes
ova in Rift Valley goats were investigated from July 1997 to June 1998.
Ten nematode and three cestode species were identified. Haemonchus
contortus was the most prevalent followed by Strongloides papillosus and
TrichostrongtJlus sp. with prevalence rate of 66.5%, 36.1 % and 30.4% and
mean intensities and relative densities of 1139.9, 503.7,434.8 and 344.9,
82.8, 60.1, respectively. Moniezia expansa showed 32.2% prevalence rate
and 545.2 and 79.6 mean intensity and relative density, respectively.
Mixed infestation was common to Rift Valley goats. About 2.8%,6.2%,
15.8%, 21.6% and 23.7%, of the examined goats harbored multiple
infestations varying from five to one species, respectively. Maturity and
sex of hosts influenced seasonal variations in relative density of
helminthes species. Female hosts harbored higher relative densities
(p<0.005, r2 0.91) than male hosts and young hosts harbored
significantly higher (p<O.OOOl, r2 0.95) than adult ones. The egg output
in July was significantly different (p<O.OOOl) than other months except
in June. The results show that mixed parasite infestation was common in
goats. The highest peak of helminthes egg densities coincided with the
big rainy season followed by the short rainy season. Therefore, the use
of appropriate treatment before and after the rainy season could be a
useful strategy to alleviate the problem. Moreover, more attention is
needed for young and female goats, as they are the most affected
groups.