Small Ruminant Parasitism in the Suburban Area of Sokode, Togo. I. Sheep

Abstract

The cross-section parasitological analysis of 359 samples taken from sheep in the suburban area of Sokode (central area of Togo) allowed the diagnosis of coccidiosis (33% prevalence) and gastrointestinal nematodes (88%) such as Trichostrongylus sp., Cooperia sp., Oesophagostomum sp. and Haemonchus sp. Furthermore, lungworms (Protostrongylus rufescens) were found (16%) as well as the cestode Monieza sp. (8%). Trematodes were represented by Paramphistomum sp. (15%), Fasciola sp. (1%) and Schistosoma sp. (only one positive sample). All three major scabies parasites were confirmed (Sarcoptes sp., Psoroptes sp. and Chorioptes sp.). Ticks were represented by Amblyomma sp. and Boophilus sp. Serological analyses showed animals positive for Toxoplasma gondii (22%) and for Oestrus ovis (79%), although no larvae were found (exploration of the nasal cavity). When combining the effects on PCV of several classes of infection with trypanosomosis, gastrointestinal nematodes and their mixed infections, it appeared that trypanosomosis (13%) remained the parasitosis with the highest impact on health parameters. Several statistical analyses that took into account environmental, management and breed-related factors allowed better understanding of host-environment interactions.