Comparative study of some prevalent diseases of ecotype goats reared in southeastern Nigeria

The study was to determine the prevalent diseases of three native Nigeria goat breeds reared in the same environment for a period of 5 years (1995–1999). The indigenous goat breeds used were the Red Sokoto (RS),West African Dwarf (WAD) and their crossbreeds (CB). The prevalent diagnoses included mange, tick and flea infestations, helminthiasis, pneumonia, peste des petits ruminants (PPR), orf, abortion/stillbirth and premature delivery. Only theWAD had prevalence of helminthiasis, orf and premature delivery. The CB group had greater prevalence (P < 0.05) of tick and flea infestations and of abortion/stillbirth than the other breeds. Age group had no influence on the prevalence of most of the diagnosed diseases. The kids were the major age group affected by orf. Seasonal variation in disease prevalence also was observed with mange and helminthiasis occurring during early- and late-rainy seasons. Seasons and genotype are therefore important factors affecting the prevalence and susceptibility of goats to diseases in the equatorial zone of southeastern Nigeria. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved