An Abattoir Survey on Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep and Goats in Hemex-Export Abattoir, Debre Ziet, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

The current study was carried out from November 2011 to March 2012 with the objective of determining the prevalence, species and worm burden of abomasal nematodes of sheep and goats slaughtered at Helmex export abattoir in Debre Zeit, central Ethiopia. A total of 199 sheep and 185 goats’ abomasums were subsequently collected and examined for adult parasites. Of these, 333 (86.7%) were positive for one or more abomasal nematodes. The overall prevalence was 86.9 and 86.5% in sheep and goats, respectively. The recovered species were identified as Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei and Teladorsagia species in both animals. Statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was not found between hosts and ages in prevalence of these parasites. However, statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was noticed between the level of prevalence and different body conditioned animals. The highest prevalence was in poor body condition (94.4%). The mean worm burden was 497.3 and 472.4 21 for sheep and goats, respectively. The current study epitomized that the prevalence of nematodiasis were high and consequently; sustainable control programs should warrant.