EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF RUMINANT FASCIOLOSIS AT KONTAGORA MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR

Fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in Kontagora, Niger State, where livestock
farming is second only to crop production This study investigated the epidemiology of the
disease among slaughtered ruminants at Kontagora municipal abattoir. A total of 384 samples
(fecal, bile, and liver) collected from 384 ruminants spreading across cattle, sheep and goat were
analyzed using the formal ether technique. The results revealed an overall prevalence of 9.9%,
with ruminant species-specific rates of 14.1% in sheep, 9.4% in cattle, and 6.3% in goats. Breed
and age significantly influenced infection rates: Sokoto Gudali cattle (23.1%), Yankasa sheep
(15.8%), and West African Dwarf goats (17.9%) showed the highest susceptibility within their
respective groups. Across all species, adult ruminants were more frequently (15.8) infected than
younger ones (8.3). The study concludes that adequate inspection at the ante-mortem level and
strategic grazing management in swampy areas are vital to control the disease.