Comparative Study Using Different Methods for Diagnosis of Intestinal Parasites of Goats and Sheep in Gombe, Northeastern Nigeria

Aim: This study was carried out to compare the diagnostic efficiency of direct smear, floatation, and sedimentation methods for intestinal parasites in order to come out with a simple, precise and affordable method.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study was used where faecal samples on indigenous goats and sheep were used. A total number of 120 samples were collected from the intestinal tract of goats and sheep slaughtered. 60 faecal samples were collected from each of the two ruminants accompanied by identification using masking tape on each polythene bag. Parameters such as age and sex of the goats and sheep were observed.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Gombe township abattoir where small ruminants are mostly slaughtered without inspection from April to June, 2016.

Methodology: Direct smear using normal saline preparation, Sedimentation method and Floatation method were used for identification of parasites.

Result: Out of the 120 faecal samples examined, 97(80.8%) were positive for parasitic infections. The sensitivity indicated that Floatation techniques had the highest percentage of 50%, followed by Sedimentation with 36.6% and direct smear had the least with 13.4%.

Conclusion: The sensitivity of the three methods indicated that Floatation method is the best and even far better when compared to the conventional Direct smear. We therefore recommend the use of floatation method for easier and more authentic results.