Pattern of Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis in Dairy Goat Breeds within Trans Nzoia County, Kenya

This study the examined feacal sampled from 1392 goats from Trans Nzoia area in Kenya for Gastro-Intestinal Helminths (GIH). A total of 642 (46.1%) were found positive for GIH. Trematodes were 22.1%, cestodes 12.6% and nematodes were the least prevalent at 11.4% with a mixed infection of 13.2%. Trematodes detected were Fasciola spp. (14.5%) and Paramphistomum spp. (7.1%). Only Moniezia expansa (12.4%) and Moniezia benedeni (9.2%) were detected cestodes while the nematodes were Strongyloides spp. (5.1%), Trichostrongylus spp. (2.6%), Haemonchus spp. (2.4%), Trichuris spp. (1.5%), Oesophagostomum spp. (1.0%) and Cooperia spp. (0.6%). There were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the infections between breeds with Saanen and Barbari having higher prevalence of the GI helminthes. Meanwhile East African had higher prevalence of trematodes, cestodes and nematodes while highest mixed infections occurred in Barbari. Young goats aged < 3 months were heavily infected with all groups of helminthes than the older goats aged > 3 months. In terms of seasonal differences, rainy season had higher prevalence of all groups of GI helminthes except mixed infection than dry seasons. The present research provided the prevalence pattern and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal helminthiasis in the tropical area.