PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES IN SMALL RUMINANTBEFORE AND AFTER WINTERING IN DAKAR AND THIES (SENEGAL)

Livestock plays an essential role in supporting mixed production systems, particularly in traction, fertilization, and adaptation to climatic problems. However, the breeding of small ruminants on pasture limited by numerous parasites. Thus, knowledge of the parasitic fauna of small ruminants is essential for a better approach to parasite control. In this sense, this study consisted in determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants and to evaluate the level of infestation in strongyles of the hosts in the regions of Dakar and Thies. Sampling conducted before and after the rainy season. A total of 102 small ruminants (39 goats and 63 sheep) examined. Of these, 50 hosts (31 sheep and 19 goats) sampled and analysed during the month of June and the remaining 52 (27 sheep and 25 goats) during the month of October. Parasite prevalence was higher in October (94.24%) than in June (86%). Regardless of the period, four groups of parasites identified and nematodes were the most dominant, especially Strongyles. Strongyles were more prevalent in goats (85%) than in sheep (59.4%). No difference in Strongyles infestation also observed between the two sites and during these two periods.