PREVALENCE OF FASCIOLOSIS AND DICROCOELOSIS AMONG GOATS IN GADAU

Goats are a major contributor of protein in the Nigerian livestock industry. Their productivity is greatly hampered by helminths which account for enormous economic losses. In view of this, 65 stool samples were randomly collected from both slaughtered and live goats in the Gadau between the months of June to July 2025. The Stool samples were analysed in the laboratory for the presence of fasciola and dicrocoelium parasites. The age and sex of the animals were determined using standard procedures. Out of the 65 goats sampled 18 (27.7%) were positive for fasciolosis and 27 (41.5%) were positive for dicrocoeliosis. The infection was highest with Dicrocoelium dendriticum and was least with Fasciola spp. There was no significant difference between the infection and animals examined. However, age and sex of the goats sampled did not significantly influence disposition to infection with the parasites. Based on overall prevalence (21.4%) obtained in this study it can be concluded that, fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis are moderately endemic with dicrocoeliosis beng more prevalent than fasciolosis in the study area among goats examined. The infection is more common goats in the study area. Therefore, it is recommended that routine and strategic deworming should be intensified particularly for sheep and goats in the Gadau area.