Gastrointestinal Parasites in Ruminants at Selected Abattoirs in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana

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.