Emerging Parasitic Infections in Goats in Pastoral Systems in Kenya

Abstract

A cross-sectional survey of ixodid tick infestation and gastrointestinal strongylosis was carried out in 76 herds, in 25 districts in five provinces representing arid and semi-arid lands in Kenya. A total of 832 indigenous goats consisting of 500 Small East African and 332 Galla breeds were sampled.  The total number of ticks counted was 17,748, consisting of three major genera, Rhipicephalus, Boophilus and Amblyomma. The mean tick abundance per animal was 21.4 ticks, with the highest count of 111.8 ticks per animal in Tharaka Nithi district of Eastern province. The highest prevalence rate of 100% was in Tharaka Nithi and Kitui districts of Eastern province, Taita/Taveta of Coast province and Siaya and Homa Bay of Nyanza province.

The mean strongyle egg count in the five provinces was 545 EPG. The ranges indicated very high counts in some herds such as 13700 EPG and 11,100 EPG in Eastern and Rift Valley. The Rift Valley recorded the highest prevalence rate of 81.7% while the Coast recorded the lowest prevalence rate of 39.7%.

The ectoparasites and endoparasites will increasingly become economically important considering the increasing pressure on communal grazing land and watering points in pastoral districts of Kenya.

Key words: Goats arid and semi-arid lands, ixodid ticks, strongylosis, Kenya.