Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitosis of small ruminants at the end of the rainy season in peri-urban livestock farms in Tahoua, Niger

Abstract

In the Sahelian regions of Niger, gastrointestinal parasites are considered one of the main causes of suboptimal productivity in small ruminants. This study aims to analyze the groups of gastrointestinal parasites involved, the factors influencing variations in parasite load, and their prevalence. The methodology was based on a questionnaire survey conducted in nine (9) villages and a coprological analysis carried out using the Mac Master method on 270 faecal samples from caprine and ovine species. Logistic regression was used to highlight the risk factors associated with each type of parasitism encountered. The most widespread farming system was still traditional, with feed based mainly on natural grazing. The coprological results identified a prevalence of nematode eggs (79.3%), cestodes (7.8%), coccidian oocytes (58.9%) and co-infection of 49.3%. Average parasitic egg excretions were quantified as follows: 1,527 nematode eggs/g faeces, 928 cestode eggs/g faeces and 3,485 coccidian oocytes/g faeces. These parasite loads and their prevalences varied significantly according to species, breed, sex, age, body condition, and the nature of the water source used to water the animals. These animal-related characteristics were the main risk factors for parasitosis, and their impact was highly significant. The extent of the parasite infestation reported in this study opens up the question of how to manage gastrointestinal parasitism on our farms, which has hitherto been considered a minor disease.

Keywords: Parasitosis, Co-infection, Risk factors, Breeding practices, Small ruminants