Prevalence Of Ectoparasites Of Ruminants In Mouau Farm:- Ugwu, Alvin U.

ABSTRACT

 An investigation of the prevalence of ectoparasites of ruminants in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU) animal husbandry farm was carried out within a period of 4 months, (August to December 2008). This research was centered on species like; cattle, sheep, goat and rabbit. Visible ectoparasites were collected from sampled 40 cattles, 26 sheep, 72 goats and 56 rabbits despite age and sex. Ticks, mites, lice and flees where analyzed and identified according to morphological adaptations. The survey showed a high prevalence rate during the dry season thus, 23.1% of the ruminants were infested in August 47.2% were infested in September, 49.3% were infested in October and 85.7% were infested in November. This showed a total infestation rate of 50.0% from the 194 ruminants sampled through the period.