South-South

Ectoparasitic infestation is one of the major veterinary problems affecting livestock industries globally, as it significantly reduces production Efficiency, and costs of acaricides used in its control are enormous and run into billions of dollars worldwide. Ectoparasites including lice, ticks, mites and flies are economically serious parasites that play important roles in the transmission of certain pathogens, due to their usual habit of blood sucking and wound licking. Infested animals keep poor physical condition and develop unthrifty, anemic appearances, skin discoloration and greasy hair, which adversely affect the economic production. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of ectoparasites infestations and diversity in the South-south geopolitical zone in Nigeria and to institute a conventional intervention. A total of 4617 livestock of different breeds, husbandry and sex were surveyed for ectoparasites identification from November 2012 to November 2013. Ectoparasites identified were ticks (11399), mange mites (5555), lice (5248) and flies (2167) The investigators deduced that a high prevalence and diverse fauna of ectoparasites could potentially hamper the productivity of livestock in the study area, hence serious attention is warranted.