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Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Sheep in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya

Author

Listed:
  • M. Jeanette Mokhothu

    (Department of Land Resources Management and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi)

  • R. Kinuthia Ngugi

    (Department of Land Resources Management and Agricultural Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Nairobi)

  • Benedict M. Mwenji

    (Faculty of Health Sciences, Outspan Global University, Nyeri)

  • George Gitau

    (Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi)

  • Willy Mwangi Edwin

    (Department of Clinical Studies, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi)

Abstract

The gastrointestinal parasite (G.I.P.) species of Public Health, Agricultural and Veterinary concern, which affect the health of sheep and goat, belong to several Genera in the Phylum Protozoa (Unicellular Organisms), Phylum Nematohelminthes (Round Worms), and Phylum Platyhelminthes (Flatworms). The species of clinical significance in the Phylum Protozoa belong to the Genera: Eimeria, Isospora, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Toxoplasma, and Giardia. Roundworm species belong to the Class Nematoda, with several Genera. These are Trichostrongylus, Strongylus, Cyanthostomin, Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Cooperia, Nematodirus, Trichuris, Toxocara, Ostertagia, Oesophagostomum, Cherpertia, Bunostomum (Hookworms), and Gongylonema. Flatworm species belong to two classes: Trematoda (Flukes) and Cestoda (Tapeworms). Trematodes of clinical concern belong to the Genera: Fasciola, Dicroelium, and Paramphistomum. The cestode species of clinical concern belong to the Genera: Moniezia, Avitellina and Echinococcus. The Unicellular parasites belong to Phylum: Protozoa, Sub-phylum: Sporozoa, Class Telosporidea and Sub-class Coccidea. The Coccidian parasite species of clinical concern belong to several Genera, namely: Eimeria, Isospora, Cyclospora, Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, and Sarcocystis. Gastrointestinal parasites (G.I.P.) of sheep are a threat to sheep industry worldwide. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with GIP in sheep under an extensive grazing system from 16 farms in Kajiado North Sub-County. Faecal samples equal to 640 were collected from randomly selected Red Maasai and Red Maasai x Dorper crossbred sheep in both dry and wet seasons. Faecal samples were subjected to the McMaster technique, sedimentation, larval cultures. Coccidia species identification of eggs and oocysts was based on morphology. Overall parasites prevalence was 91.3%, with many sheep showing one or more G.I.P (Gastro-Intestinal Parasites). The study revealed Strongylus species nematode eggs (80%), Eimeria species. oocysts at (60.8%) and Cestode eggs (5.2%). The highest prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites was recorded in the wet season than in the dry season (p

Suggested Citation

  • M. Jeanette Mokhothu & R. Kinuthia Ngugi & Benedict M. Mwenji & George Gitau & Willy Mwangi Edwin, 2025. "Prevalence and Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Sheep in Kajiado North Sub-County, Kenya," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 10(10), pages 1483-1496, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bjf:journl:v:10:y:2025:i:10:p:1483-1496
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