PAN AFRICAN JOURNAL OF LIFE SCIENCES
e-ISSN: 2672-5924
Volume 9, No. 1, April 2025
Pages 369-375
DOI: 10.36108/pajols/5202/90.0190
Risk Factors Associated with Eimeria Infections in Ruminants Traded at Kara Market, Ogun State, Nigeria
Oluwayomi O. Adeyemi*, Aishat E. Adekanmbi, Happiness C. Ezinna, Esther D. Oluso-ga, Damilola E. Osunkoya, Taiwo O. Adubi, Jesutomisin N. Ajayi, Oluwalonimi E. Ayoola.
1Department of Zoology, University of Lagos, Akoka-Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Ruminants such as cattle, goats, and sheep are economically important livestock reared for meat, milk, hides, and wool. Eimeria parasites cause coccidiosis which impacts the health, welfare, and productivity of ruminants globally. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of Eimeria species infecting cattle, goats, and sheep traded at Kara market, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Methods: Fresh faecal samples were collected randomly from 54 cattle, 60 goats, and 51 sheep between April and June 2024. Samples were screened for Eimeria oocysts using the saturated saline flotation method. Oocysts per gram (OPG) were estimated using the McMaster technique, and species identification was based on morphometric descriptions using Image J software. Host information (age, sex, breed, body condition, health status, and faecal consistency) was recorded. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess differences in the frequency of occurrence and mean OPG of Eimeria, and significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results: Eimeria parasites were detected in 33/54 (61.1%) cattle, 36/60 (60.0%) goats, and 28/51 sheep (54.9%). In goats and sheep, the frequency of occurrence was higher in young animals, but this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Cattle breed, body condition, health status, and faecal consistency, as well as goat gender and both the gender and breed of sheep, were not significantly associated with Eimeria occurrence. Mean intensity of infection was 3748.2 ± 1746.9 opg in cattle, 4010.8 ± 997.3 opg in goats, and 3419.6 ± 730.6 opg in sheep. Young goats had a higher mean intensity. Cattle with poor body condition had significantly higher mean intensity. Eimeria zuernii (31.5%) and E. alabamensis (31.5%) were most common in cattle. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae (42.9%) was predominant in goats, while E. pallida (18.2%) was most prevalent in sheep.
Conclusion: The high occurrence of Eimeria species among ruminants in this study indicates a significant economic risk to the Nigerian livestock sector and poses a serious threat to national food security. To mitigate these impacts, it is essential that veterinarians and agricultural extension officers actively promote improved biosecurity measures and hygiene practices among pastoralists, nomadic herders, and other ruminant producers.
Keywords: Eimeria, Coccidiosis, Ruminants, Cattle, Sheep, Goats.