Assessment of ectoparasites of domesticated goats and associated zoonotic risk factors in Abua/Odual Local Government Area, Rivers State

Abstract

This study was embarked to assess the ectoparasites of domesticated goats and associated zoonotic risk factors. Two hundred domesticated goats from 80 households in Agada I, Egbolom, Emoh, and Omelema communities in Abua/Odual Local Government Area were randomly selected for the study. The ectoparasites were taken off the animal skin by the use of forceps and skin brushing. The ectoparasites were preserved in specimen bottles with 5% formalin. Out of the 200 goats assessed, 139 (69.5%) were infected, representing a high rate of infestation. The rate of infestation in Egbolom was (23.5%) and Agada I had (21.5%). However, the result in Emoh showed an infestation rate of 15.5% and Omelema had 9.0%. There was a significant effect of sex-related infestation across the four communities. However, the infestation was more in male goats (40.5%) when compared with the females (29.0%). Nevertheless, there was no significant effect on the age-related infestation. The most prevalent ectoparasites reported in this study were fleas (53.0%), and tick, (33.5%) while lice had 13.2%. However, mite (0.3%) recorded an insignificant figure. In this study, field feeding and poor attention to the animals are significant factors predisposing goats to ectoparasite infestation while lack of orientation on zoonosis uncovers goat owners to zoonotic infections.