Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections in Red Sokoto Goats Sold at Obollo-Afor: Prevalence and Effect on Body Condition Score

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a major health challenge in goats, affecting their growth, productivity, and economic value. This study investigated the prevalence of GIN infections in Red Sokoto goats sold at the Obollo Afor market, southeastern Nigeria, and examined their impact on body condition. A total of 206 goats were randomly selected, and fecal samples were collected between September and December 2024. The samples were analyzed using standard parasitological techniques to identify nematode eggs, determine infection intensity and also larval culture and identification. Data on sex and body condition score (BCS) were also recorded. The results showed a high prevalence of 80.1%, indicating that most goats were infected. The most common parasites were Haemonchus contortus (56.1%), Trichostrongylus colubriformis (40.4%), and Bunostomum trigonocephalum (3.5%). Goats with poor body condition were more likely to be infected, showing the negative impact of these parasites on health. Although the sex of these goats had no influence on their susceptibility to infection. This study highlights the urgent need for better parasite control, including regular deworming, improved nutrition, and proper pasture management. Educating farmers on these strategies can help reduce infections and improve goat productivity. Future research should explore cost-effective treatment and prevention methods for smallholder farmers.