Epidemiological Study of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Goats in Central Guinea

Abstract

An epidemiological study was conducted on gastrointestinal parasites in 102 Djallonke goats in Central Guinea. Six to nine goats were autopsied every month during one year. The study revealed the presence of the following 11 helminth species in order of prevalence: Haemonchus contortus (94%), Trichostrongylus colubriformis (84%), Oesophagostomum columbianum (75%), Cysticercus tenuicollis (71%), Trichostrongylus axei (70%), Cooperia sp. (55%), Trichuris ovis (55%), Moniezia sp. (39%), Gaigeria pachyscelis (39%), Strongyloides papillosus (25%) and Paramphistomum sp. (12%). The infection intensity was medium with parasite seasonal variations. There was no evidence of hypobiosis. Fecal nematode egg counts and gastrointestinal nematode burdens showed seasonal variations with a peak in the rainy season between July and October. Goats over 30 months of age or lactating had heavier parasite burdens. A selective treatment program of infected animals is proposed.