Abstract:
The main source of animal protein is livestock and their products. Livestock plays a crucial role
in the economy of most nations. Parasitism is one of the main constraints limiting livestock
productions. Control of parasitic diseases communicable from animals to men under natural
conditions is very necessary to improve the health status of Ghanaians. The research was aimed
at determining different parasites and compares the prevalence of infections at certified and
uncertified abattoirs and quantifies them. Macroscopic and microscopic examinations were done
on the parasites identified to confirm structures of the various parasites. Wet mount preparation
was done to identify some of the cyst of the parasites. The parasites found at the Tema abattoir
were tapeworms, rumen flukes and hydatid cysts. Those found at the Amasaman slaughter house
were hookworms, tapeworms, and rumen flukes. The percentage of infection at Tema abattoir
was 71.7% in cattle, 82.2% in goats and 53.3% in sheep. On the other hand, the percentage of
animals infected at Amasaman slaughter house were 67.1% for cattle, 67.5% for goat and 66.7%
for sheep.
The results of this study could be due to the fact that most of the goats used were from lowland
and mid altitude areas which are thought to be suitable for survival of larval stage of the
parasites. Another reason could be due to the fact that, there is poor veterinary infrastructure and
medication to goats. Most of the animals examined during the study had high number of
tapeworms infestations, followed by rumen flukes. There is a need to do this study throughout
the year so as to get a complete picture which will cover the gastrointestinal parasites in both the
wet season and dry season to enable veterinarians control the parasites.
