Epizootiology of Livestock Ectoparasites Within Lagos State Metropolis, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: Ectoparasites pose significant health and economic challenges to livestock, leading to weight loss, reduced productivity and vulnerability to infections. This study investigated the epizootiology of ectoparasites within Lagos State Metropolis, Nigeria. The prevalence of ectoparasites, species distribution and management strategies were considered as epizootic indices.

Materials and Methods: The survey was conducted across seven areas. In addition to field collections, visual examination, laboratory identification, questionnaires were administered to livestock herders in order to gain insights. A total of 800 livestock (200 cattle, 300 sheep and 300 goats) were randomly selected and 555 (68.7%) were infested with at least one ectoparasite.

Results: The prevalence of ectoparasites was highest in cattle (100%), followed by sheep (63%) and goats (46%). Tick infestation was the most prevalent in all livestock. Cattle had a prevalence of ticks (85%), lice (6.5%) and mites (8.5%). Of tick infestations, Rhipicephalus annulatus was 69% Amblyomma variegatum was 16.9% and Rhipicephalus microplus was 13.8%. Lice infestations was mainly due to Linognathus vituli whereas Demodex bovis was the sole mite specie on cattle. Ojo area (38.2%) followed by Agege area (29.4%) had the highest tick prevalence, whilst Ikorodu area had the lowest (12.4%). The prevalence of infestation in sheep and goats was 63% and 46% for ticks, 48.5% and 34% for lice and 11% and 5.5% for mites respectively. For sheep/goats, three tick species were identified: R. annulatus (62%) R. appendiculatus (23%) and A. variegatum (15%). Mushin area had the highest (82.5%) tick infestation. L. vituli and Haematopinus euryternus lice and Demodex mites were also identified. Statistical analysis indicated a significant variation in infestation across the areas and between the livestock. Ojo and Mushin areas had the highest infestation in cattle and small ruminants, respectively. The questionnaires revealed that, 100% of the herders were aware of infestations but often relied on traditional control methods, which were inadequate for prevention. The side-effects reported included weight loss, anemia and loss of productivity. The survey implicated higher infestations in the dry season.

Conclusion: To mitigate the impact of ectoparasites on livestock, continuous and improved surveillance along with integrated management strategies, regular veterinary interventions and educational programs should be implemented.