Veterinary Science & Technology

Best Periods for Deworming Cattle against Fasciolosis in Nigeria (A Tropical Sub-Saharan Country with Dry and Wet Seasons)

Abstract

Damwesh SD and Ardo MB

Best periods for deworming cattle against fasciolosis in Nigeria. A number of researches have confirmed the presence of fasciolosis and the extent of its harm both to cattle and humans in Nigeria. However, less attention has been given as to the specific periods during which cattle should be dewormed against the parasites. As a result, cattle are usually dewormed randomly at any time with just any fluckicide and in many cases are dewormed only when symptoms appear. This contributes to the lingering disease despite repetitive treatment. This study recommends specific periods in the rainy season and dry season for deworming cattle based on records of research findings in the past and of recent. A research was conducted towards the close of the rainy season (September ending and October ending, 2010) in 2 local Government Areas (Girei and Yola South) of Adamawa state in north eastern Nigeria. To fill the 5 microplates procured, blood samples were drawn randomly from the jugular vein of 225 field cattle. The sera obtained were screened for Fasciola gigantica antibodies using an indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A prevalence rate of 55.5% was obtained in September as against 75.5% in October. Analysis with a t-test paired sample statistics indicated a significant difference (P<0.05) in the incidence of the disease between the months of September and October hence the best period recommended for deworming in the rainy season is early September to early October. It can be deduced from records of seasonal prevalence of fasciolosis that the best periods to deworm cattle in the dry season is January/February.