Global Veterinary Summit

Biography

Biography: Sila Daniel Damwesh

Abstract

A number of studies have confirmed the presence of Fasciolosis and the extent of its harm both to cattle and humans in Nigeria. However, less attention has been given as to the specific periods during which cattle should be dewormed against the parasites. As a result, cattle are usually dewormed randomly at any time with just any flukicide and in many cases only when symptoms appear. This contributes to the lingering disease despite repetitive treatment. This study recommends specific periods in the rainy season and dry season for effective deworming of cattle based on records of research findings in the past and of recent. A research was conducted towards the close of the rainy season (September ending and October ending, 2010) in 2 Local Government Areas (Girei and Yola South) of Adamawa State in north eastern Nigeria. Blood samples were drawn randomly from the jugular vein of 225 field cattle. The sera obtained were screened for Fasciola gigantica antibodies using an indirect ELISA assay. A prevalence rate of 56.7% was obtained in September as against 82.2% in October. Analysis with a t-test paired sample statistics indicated a significant difference (P<0.05) in the incidence of the disease between September and October hence the best period recommended for deworming in the rainy season is early September to early October. It can be deduced from records of seasonal prevalence of Fasciolois that the best period to deworm cattle in the dry season is January/February.