How Domestic Animals aid in the spread of Geohelminths in their faecal Deposits, Benue State, Nigeria

Domestic animals are source of protein and additional income in most families in Okpokwu Local Government Area BenueState. This study determined the prevalence of geohelminths in the faecal deposits from some domestic animals in OkpokwuLocal Government Area. A total of 480 faecal deposits were collected into the sterile specimen bottles and examined forpresence of helminthes eggs using test tube floatation technique. Of the 480 faecal samples examined, 161(33.5%) werepositive for one or more eggs of helminth parasites. The prevalences were 20%, 15.2%, 9.8%, 5.2% and 3.8% for Ascarisspecies, Toxocara species, Ancylostoma species, Strongloides and Trichuris species, respectively. The highest prevalence of48% was recorded in Ojigo ward and the least prevalence rate of 23% in Okpale/Ingle ward with no significant difference(p>0.05) in the distribution of eggs in the twelve (12) wards sampled. The public health importance of geohelminths eggs infaecal deposits cannot be underestimated therefore, community health education and restriction of animals from roaming arerecommended. Keywords: Geohelminths, Domestic animals, Faeces, Okpokwu.