A Preliminary Survey of Ectoparasites and Their Predilection Sites on Some Livestock Sold in Wadata Market, Makurdi, Nigeria

An investigation of ectoparasites of some livestock sold in Wadata Market, Makurdi, Nigeria was conducted between August and October, 2014. Sixty (60) cattle, sheep, goat and poultry were examined. Visual screening, handpicking, use of forceps and brushing methods were employed and specific points were the ectoparasites were removed were noted. A total of 1,832 ectoparasites were recovered from the 240 livestock. Ticks had the highest prevalence of 1576(86%) followed by lice 134(7.3%) and fleas 122(6.7%). Mixed infestation was observed in all the livestock species examined. With respect to the sex the prevalence rate was not significantly different (P>0.05). The ectoparasites preferred the abdomen in cattle, sheep and goat while in poultry they preferred the wings. Further research to assess the impact of these parasites on the health and production performance of the free-range domestic animals are strongly recommended.