Prevalence Of Gastrointestinal Helminths In Cattle Slaughtered At Ubakala Abattoir, Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State:- Egbulefu, John I.

ABSTRACT

Two hundred and ten (210) faecal samples from cattle slaughtered at the Ubakala Abattoir, in Umuahia South L.G.A, Abia State were examined for the presence of parasites using direct smear microscopic examination and sodium chloride floatation technique. Seven parasites made up of 3 nematodes and 4 trematodes were identified. These were Ascaris vitulorium (71.31%), Oesophagostomum radiatum (13.93%), Cooperia pectinata (4.92%) (Nematodes) and Schistosoma bovis (3.28%), Schistosoma nasalis (3.28%) Fischoederius cobboldi (0.82%) and Carmyerius spatiosus (2.42%) (Trematodes). One hundred and eighty (180) cattle (87.51%) were infected. The nematodes occurred more (52.38%). Ascaris vitulorium was the most prevalent (71.31%). More females (91.67%) than males (79.41%) were infected. Mixed infections were also encountered. The combination of Ascaris vitulorium and Oesophagostomum radiatum occurred most (48.27%) cattle.