Prevalence of haemonchosis in goats and sheep slaughtered at Soroti abattoir

Abstract

Haemonchosis disease is a significant parasitic infection affecting ruminants particularly goats and sheep. The study looked at the prevalence of haemonchosis in sheep and goats slaughtered at Soroti Abattoir, soroti district. The cross-sectional study employed a combination of quantitative data where it involved recording demographic data and examining the abomasum for adult Haemonchus contortus, lesions and hemorrhages. It was conducted for one month with a sample size of 382 small ruminants. The overall prevalence rate was found to be 43.7%, with 43.8% in goats and 43.5% in sheep, 45.6% in male and 54.4% in female, there was an increase in prevalence with increase in age where animals aged one year had a prevalence of 27.8%, two years (48.4%), three years (65.8%), four and above (75%). The study went ahead to determine how FAMACHA score results are related with the worm burden in the abattoir. The findings help to highlight the need for targeted control measures, including strategic deworming and improved nutrition, to reduce the impact of Haemonchosis and improve livestock health and productivity. In view of the findings of the current study, there is a need and recommendations for proper disposal of condemned organs such as abomasum, proper nutrition and management practices to prevent the spread of haemonchosis disease and public health hazards.