A Survey of prevalence and fluke burden of Paramphistomum sp. was conducted among the major ruminants slaughtered in Sokoto Central Abattoir between May and October, 2007. One hundred (100) of goats, sheep and cattle each were examined for the presence of Paramphistomum species (stomach flukes). Flukes were counted to determine the average fluke burden and prevalence. Out of the 300 animals, a total of 100 (33.3%) were infected with an average fluke burden of 4794. Out of these, 56 (56%) were cattle, with fluke burden of 2517(52.5%}, 32 (32%) were sheep with fluke burden of 1907 (39.8%) and 12 (12%} with fluke burden of 370 (6.7%) were goats. Out of the 100 cattle, 20 (20%) males and 36 (36%) females were infected with flukes. Also, out of the 100 sheep, 4 (4%) were males and 28 (28%} were females and in goats, 4 (4%) were males while 8 (8%) were females. On the basis of age the result showed that 4(7.1%) out of the 56 infected animals were those of 1-2 yrs, 40 (71.4%} were 3-4 yrs old and 12 (21.4%) were animals >4 yrs in respect of cattle. Of the 32 infected sheep, 6 (18.7%) were 1-2 yrs, 18(56.2%) were 3-4 yrs and 8(25%) were >4yrs. Similarly, 2(16%) out of the 12 goats infected were 1-2 yrs, 8 (66.6%) were 3-4 yrs old and 2 (16%) were >4 yrs. Paramphistomiasis is prevalent in the area, with female cattle having higher prevalence. Measures for control of these parasites should be prioritized in the study area.
Key words: Prevalence, Paramphistomiasis, Fluke, Burden
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