Prevalence of ectoparasites of small ruminants in Nsukka, Nigeria.

Over a period of one year (January 1983 to December 1983), an investigation was mounted to determine common ectoparasitic infestation of small ruminants in selected farms in Nsukka, Nigeria. The species identified in goats included Ctenocephalides canis, Boophilius decolouratus and Amblyomma variegatum lides while those recovered from parasitized sheep were Ctenocephalides canis and Damalinia ovis. Out of a total of 148 sheep and goats examined for ectoparasites, 68 (45.95%) were infested. A further breakdown of this figure shows that 10 (18.52%) out of a total number of 54 sheep screened were infested, while 58 (61.70%) of the goats (94) examined were infested. Identification of these ectoparasites was by anatomical and morphological characteristics. Result of the investigation indicated that there was variation in the degree of ectoparasitic infestation from one animal to another. Epizootiological factors associated with ectoparasitic infestation of small ruminants were highlighted and the zoonotic importance of Ctenocephalides canis and Amblyomma variagatum was discussed.