Relevance of improved epidemiological knowledge to sustainable control ofHaemonchus contortusin Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractNigeria experiences losses in small ruminant production as a result of a high prevalence of infection withHaemonchus contortus, but there have been very few investigative studies into the epidemiology ofH. contortusin Nigeria, particularly in the south and western parts of the country. For successful planning and execution of control of hemonchosis in Nigeria, there is a need for insight into the epidemiology of free-living stages under the prevailing local conditions and models for climatic and environmental factors that control the risk of hemonchosis and distribution ofH. contortus. In this review, we assess previous studies on the epidemiology ofH. contortusin Nigeria, evaluate the present climatic and epidemiological situation, and highlight areas that require further investigative studies. The goal is to identify factors that underpin better control strategies and holistic integrated farm-management practice. Previous studies onH. contortusprovided important information for formulation of control strategies and development toward integrated parasite management. However, this review has revealed the need for holistic evaluation of the current epidemiology and prevalence ofH. contortusin Nigeria, particularly in relation to climate change. Accurate information is needed to build useful predictive models of the population dynamics of all free-living stages, particularly theL3.