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Vol. 5, Issue 3, Part A (2020)

Prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal parasite infection in goats in Sironko district, Eastern Uganda

Author(s): Winnie Namutosi, James Higenyi, Elizabeth Kizito and Micheal Omodo
Abstract: In Uganda, goat production is increasingly promoted to provide a necessary resource of socio- economic values and means of resilience against crop failures; particularly among the vulnerable marginalized small scale farming communities. However, gastrointestinal parasite infection is a single most constraint hindering their optimal production leading to economic losses. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) infections in goats in Sironko district, Eastern Uganda. Across-sectional study was conducted using laboratory and survey methods. Twenty eight (28) livestock farmers were interviewed using questionnaires to determine the risk factors. A total of 220 samples (fecal and blood) were collected from goats and analyzed for GIP using laboratory techniques. Majority of respondents were female representing 61% with average age of 47 years. Majority of respondents considered farming a full time employment at 92.9%. The results also showed a high overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite in goats of 74.5% and the most abundant category of GIP was nematodes at 61.82%. The level of infection of GIP species were; Eimeria spp (37.73%), Haemonchus contortus (36.36%), Trichostrongylus spp (43.64%), Strongyloides (14.55%), Strongyle spp (12.73%), Nematodirus spp (0.91%), Moneizia spp (14.55%) and Fasciola spp (11.82%). In addition, analysis revealed highest percentage of aneamic goats were adults (48.6%). Logistic regression model showed that physical location of the farm, production systems and frequency of deworming are the most significant risk factors influencing gastrointestinal parasites infections. The main challenges were; water scarcity and inadequate feeds (24.8%), and diseases (37.9%). The farmers’ adaptive management practices included procuring forage and water, supplementation and treatment. The authors conclude that given a higher prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites coupled with moderate anaemia in the era of emerging climate changes; building resilience of the marginalized small scale farming communities through a climate smart agricultural system is critical. A comprehensive farmers’ awareness programme is imperative to promote access to knowledge, gender responsive, customized climate smart technologies and adaptive management practices.
Pages: 27-35  |  827 Views  25 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Winnie Namutosi, James Higenyi, Elizabeth Kizito, Micheal Omodo. Prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal parasite infection in goats in Sironko district, Eastern Uganda. Int J Vet Sci Anim Husbandry 2020;5(3):27-35.
International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry

International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry

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International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry