An Investigation of the Ectoparasites of Slaughtered Cattle at Keffi Abattoir in Nassarawa State of Nigeria, Sub-Sahara Africa

Ectoparasites represent a major source of livestock productivity loss. This study assessed different types as well as the predilection sites of ectoparasites on slaughtered cattle at Keffi abattoir. The fleas and lice were collected by combing the skin of the animal, while the ticks were carefully picked using a forceps. The ectoparasites found were preserved in 10% formalin in a sample tube and identified using standard techniques. A total of 300 cattle were surveyed, of which 202(67.33%) were infested with varieties of ectoparasites while 98(32.67%) were not infested. Nonetheless, 139(68.81%) of the cattle were infested with ticks of which 95(47.03%) represents Rhipicephalus spp. while only 44(21.78%) represents Amblyomma spp., while about one-fifth, 57(28.22%) of the infestation were caused by fleas; of which 39(19.31%) were of the Ctenocephalides canis while 18( 8.91%) were of the Ctenocephalides felis. However, 6(2.97%) of the infestation were due to Linognathus vituli specie of louse. Majority of the infestation were at the thigh, abdomen, neck and back. Using X2 analysis, the findings showed that there was a statistical significant difference between the prevalence of the ectoparasites by species, while no significant association was found with respect to the number of cattle infested by sex of the cattle surveyed and also by locations of survey. This study revealed a higher prevalence of ectoparasites of cattle in Keffi metropolis; infestation was found to be predominantly by two tick species: Amyblyomma spp. and Rhipicephalus spp. Thus cattle should be checked and treated regularly for ectoparasites as infestation may affect their health, productivity as well as the economic value of these animals