Abattoir survey of small ruminant diseases in Bauchi, Nigeria

Abstract

Disease incidence and distribution between male and female small ruminant species and seasonality were investigated in Bauchi, Nigeria, from 1986-1995. The data were subjected to the chi2 test. More goats than sheep were found to be slaughtered. Of all the diseases recorded, helminthosis was the most common followed by pneumonia and tuberculosis. Septic and pyemic conditions contributed the least to the total infections. Most of these diseases showed seasonal distribution with a higher incidence in the rainy season reflected thus by more condemnation in the rainy season than in the dry one. Disease variation between sexes and species were significant (p < 0.01). The menace of these diseases will continue to have an impact on the economy and be of public health significance unless suitable control measures are adopted. The authors offer some suggestions.