DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i06.027

Pages: 1528-1534

The aim of this research work was to investigate the prevalence of Bovine Onchocerciasis affecting cattle in Karu F.C.T Abuja between March, 2017, and August, 2017. The method adopted in the study was a random survey carried out on the prevalence of Bovine onchocerciasis in Karu FCT area of Nigeria. A total of 300 cattle were sampled for species of Onchocerca parasite. The animals were of four major breeds, namely; Garawa, Bunaje, White Fulani and Abora. Three species Bovine onchocerciasis encountered during this study were Onchocerca gutturosa, Onchocerca duckei, and Onchocerca gibsoni. The result showed that, of this number, 146 (48.66%) were infected with the various species of Onchocerca namely; Onchocerca gutturosa 92(63.0%), Onchocerca duckei 51(34.93%), and Onchocerca gibsoni 3 (2.05%). Prevalence of Bovine onchocerciasis were higher in animal aged (5- 6yeas ) followed by those between (3-4 years) and lastly those age 7 years and above. Calculated Chi Square, λ2 was higher than tabulated λ2 hence the prevalence of infection of the various breeds of the cattle by onchocerca species was significant (P<0.05). In conclusion, the prevalence of Onchocerca species infection in various breeds of Cattle in Karu local government area of Nasarawa state of Nigeria was very significant (P<0.05).