Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of spirochaetes and other haemoparasites in small ruminants. A total of two hundred blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of sheep and goats at slaughter. The Microhaematocrit centrifugation technique, direct wet blood mount, thin blood smear and thick blood smear techniques were used to detect the presence of motile and non-motile haemoparasites. Data obtained were analyzed using percentages and tabulations. One hundred and twelve representing 56.00% of the sampled small ruminants were positive for spirochaetes and other haemoparasites. Spirochaetes was the most prevalent haemoparasites followed by Anaplasma ovis, Babesia spp. and Trypanosoma brucei. Higher prevalence of haemoparasites infection were observed in goats (82.50%) compared to sheep (41.25%). Haemoparasites were more prevalent in small ruminants sourced from the southern part (78.00%) compared to those sourced from the northern part (54.00%) of Nigeria. Higher prevalence of spirochaetes and other haemoparasites was recorded in male than female. Some spirochaetes are zoonotic therefore, the possibility of its transmission to man exists with butchers and other abattoir workers been at risk of spirochaetosis. The role of ruminant types, sex of animals, and geographical locations in the epidemiology of spirochaetes and other haemoparasites infections in Nigeria is worthy of further investigations.

Key words: Abattoir – Haemoparasites – Small ruminants – Spirochaetes – Zoonoses