PREVALENCE OF CAPRA HIRCUS L. (GOAT) ECTOPARASITE IN MAJOR LIVESTOCK MARKETS OF ZARIA, KADUNA STATE.

Abstract

Although large numbers of ruminants are slaughtered per annum, the production of quality skins
remains very low. Skin diseases account for considerable economic losses, particularly to the skins
and hides export due to various defects, 65% of which occur in the pre-slaughter slabs. This work was
conducted to seek information on the prevalence of ectoparasites in selected markets with their
associated risk factors of age, sex, and breed to know the prevalence rate. A total of 239 Capra hircus
(goat) were examined for ectoparasites infestation with associated risk factors of age, sex, and breed.
Clinical examination was done by visual inspection, physical examination of the skin, palpation of
skin, and hair samples were collected from the infested part of the goat in 70% methanol solution and
subjected to identification tests. Results showed that ticks and lice prevalence were 0(0%) Two
species of mites encountered were Demodex caprae and Sarcoptes scabei var caprae
prevalencerateranging from 9.6% - 17.9% at the age range of less than 2 years and the lowest of 0% at
age range of 2-5 years for both male and female. However, West African Dwarf (WAD) recorded the
highest with 20(8.4%), and the lowest was recorded by Red Sokoto (RS) with 6(6.7%). The study
concluded that though the prevalence was a little lower in the selected the rate could still be brought
lower to promote the production of quality skins. The study, recommended that routine
and strategic control measures should be employed to reduce downgrade and
mortality of livestock.

Keywords: Hides and skin quality, Ectoparasite infestation, livestock mortality