Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of sheep and goats in the Fora and Mona populations during drought mitigation in Marsabit County of Kenya.

Abstract

Gastro intestinal parasitism is a major problem among sheep and goats in arid and semi - arid areas like Marsabit County of Kenya . In this county, during drought, the animals are separated into two groups ; t he Mona group c omp rising of the pregnant and milking anima ls that are left with the women and children at the homestead and the Fora group comprising of the other s are herded to far grazing areas by the men in search of pastures and water. As the drought progresses, stress from deteriorating body condition tend s to lower the immunity of affected animals making them prone to internal worm burden . Studies compar ing prevalence of worms in the se two groups of animals have been scarce . This study investigat ed the gastrointestinal parasite burden in the se two groups dur ing drought period to determine which group resisted parasitism . Rectal f ecal samples from 1328 animals collected in fecal pots , and were analyzed for both egg and oocyts counts using t he McMaster technique. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was significantly higher in the Mona group than Fora group . C occidia were the main occurrence and a more rigorous worm control strategy is recommended for the Mona group to enable them cope better with the drought .