A Preliminary Assessment of Parasite Prevalence in Livestock Markets at Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Abstract

A preliminary study was conducted from May to August 2022 to characterize gastrointestinal parasites and estimate their prevalence in three livestock markets (Tampouy livestock market, Tanghin livestock market and Ouaga-Inter livestock market) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. A total of 350 samples consisting of approximately 100 g (each) of fresh fecal or liquid waste were collected using a sterile spatula and examined using direct observation combined with a concentration technique. These included 185 fecal samples from cattle, 146 fecal samples from sheep and 19 liquid waste samples. Statistical analysis, including Fisher exact Test was used to identify associations between parasite prevalence and animals type in on hand and in other hand between prevalence and markets. In total, twelve (12) parasite taxa were identified, including four (4) taxa of Protozoa and eight (8) taxa of Helminths (7 Nematoda and 1 Trematoda). The overall prevalence was 94.86%. Regarding prevalence, no significant differences were observed between animal types or between livestock markets (p > 0.05). Among the collected parasites, Eimeria spp. (91.35%) and Oesophagostomum spp. (15.14%) were most common in cattle, while Haemonchus contortus (89.73%) and Toxocara Vitulorum (76.03%) were predominant in sheep. This study also revealed that polyparasitism infections were common. These findings highlighted the important diversity and high prevalence of parasites in animals from livestock markets, posing potential health risks not only for animals but also to all stakeholders, from primary to secondary actors. Raising awareness and implementing strategic organic waste management measures are recommended to mitigate these risks.