Prevalence and Morphological Diversity of Gastrointestinal Parasite Eggs in Faecal Samples Goats Slaughtered at Anagada Abattoir, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Abstract

Helminth infections remain a major constraint to goat productivity, particularly in regions where small ruminant farming plays a significant livelihood role. This study investigated the prevalence and morphological diversity of helminth eggs in goat faecal samples to provide baseline data for improved parasite management. Gastrointestinal helminth infections remain a major constraint to goat productivity in developing regions. The current study evaluated the prevalence and morphological diversity of helminth eggs in faecal samples from goats slaughtered at Anagada Abattoir, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria. Fifty faecal samples were examined using standard parasitological techniques, of which 37 (74%) were positive for helminth eggs. Four main egg morphologies were identified. Circular/triangular eggs, as well as clustered forms, were most common (28% each), corresponding to Toxocara vitulorum, Moniezia expansa, and egg clusters of Eimeria spp. or Strongyloides papillosus. Elongated eggs (21%) were typical of Trichostrongylus spp., Haemonchus contortus, and Oesophagostomum columbianum, while oval/ ellipsoidal eggs (6%) suggested Strongyloides or Trichuris ovis. The high prevalence and mixed infections observed underscore the need for integrated parasite control strategies to improve goat health and productivity.