A survey of gastrointestinal coccidiosis from fecal samples of cattle and sheep in heipang, plateau state, Nigeria.

Abstract

Coccidiosis is a specific infectious protozoan parasite disease, which is responsible for a huge economic loss. The prevalence of Eimeria infection in cattle and sheep in Heipang- Jos Plateau State was determined during the periods from May to October 2019. A total of two hundred 200 animals (100 cattle and 100 sheep) respectively, were sampled randomly and fecal samples were collected aseptically and tested using fecal floatation method. Results revealed that 45 (53.57%) of cattle had coccidian oocyst 39 (49.43%) of sheep were suffering from subclinical coccidiosis and the overall prevalence was 84 (42.20%). Adult female cattles were 27 (32.14%) more infected than the Adult males who had 18 (21.42%) while female sheep were 23 (27.38%) higher than the Adult males 16 (19.05%). Cattle and of 0-2 years of age had 29 (34.32%), while sheep recorded 26 (30.95%). Cattle of 12 years and above had 16 (19.05%), while sheep recorded 13 (15.48%). The survey revealed a total of seven Eimeria oocyst types which appeared to be recognized species they are identified as Eimeria cylindrica 7(3.50%) Eimeria alabamensis 5(2.50%) Eimeria zurnei 7(8.33%), Eimeria auburnensis 26(30.95%), Eimeria parva 17 (8.50%), Eimeria arlongi 15(6.50%) Eimeria ovina 9(4.50%). Many of the species found in this study are frequently encountered throughout Nigeria and it is hoped that the data presented in this paper may serve as a base line data for farmers in Heipang- Jos Plateau and its environs and to other breeders interested in this disease around this areas so as to boost animal health and production in other parts of Nigeria.