PREVALENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS AMONG THE GOAT SLAUGHTERINCHINADE ABATOIR IN KATAGUN L.G.A BAUCHI STATE NIGERIA

ABSTRACT Coccidiosis, an enteric parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites of thegenus Eimeria, represents a major constraint to profitable goat productionworldwide. It inflicts significant economic losses through high mortality, morbidity, reduced weight gain, and costs associated with treatment andcontrol. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of coccidiosis amonggoats slaughtered at Chinade Abattoir, Katagum Local Government Area, Bauchi State, Nigeria, and to assess the influence of collection site andsexonthe infection rate. A cross-sectional study was carried out involvingthecollection of one hundred (100) fresh fecal samples fromgoats across threedemarcated quadrants within the abattoir's catchment area: Unguwar Gabas, Unguwar Rimi, and Unguwar Yamma. Samples were transportedinsterileuniversal containers to the laboratory for immediate analysis. The Wisconsinfecal flotation technique, using a saturated salt solution (SSS) as the flotationmedium, was employed to isolate and identify Eimeria oocysts. The sampleswere examined under a light microscope at 10x and 40x magnifications. Theresults revealed an overall prevalence of 36%. A striking variation was observedbased on the collection site: Unguwar Yamma had an extremelyhighprevalence rate of 98%, while Unguwar Gabas and Unguwar Rimi hadprevalence rates of 36% and 32%, respectively. Concerning the sex of thegoats, the infection rate was higher in females (40%) than in males (30%). Thefindings indicate that coccidiosis is a common and significant infectionamonggoats presented for slaughter at Chinade Abattoir. The extreme prevalenceinUnguwar Yamma suggests critical local risk factors, such as poor managementpractices, high stocking density, and wet litter conditions that promoteoocystsporulation. The study concludes that coccidiosis remains a major threat togoathealth and productivity in the study area. It is recommended that farmers adoptstricter biosecu8rity measures, maintain dry and hygienic housing, implement x routine surveillance for subclinical infections, and avoid mixing age groupstomitigate the economic impact of this pervasive disease.