Asian Journal of Research in Zoology

Gastrointestinal Parasite Burden and Zoonotic Risk in abattoir-sourced goats from Yenagoa, Bayelsa Sate, Nigeria

Emmanuel Green Ekine, Sotonye Peace Wodi, Eralei Ibere Karibi — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitism remains a major constraint to goat productivity and a potential public health concern in many developing regions, particularly where abattoir hygiene and veterinary control are inadequate.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and zoonotic risk of gastrointestinal parasites in abattoir-sourced goats from Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Method: A total of 80 faecal samples were collected from slaughtered goats across two abattoirs (A and B). Samples were examined using direct microscopic examination and formalin–ether sedimentation techniques. Parasites were identified based on morphological characteristics, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests at 95% confidence level.

Results: Overall, 50% (40/80) of samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Abattoir B recorded a higher infection rate (62.5%) than Abattoir A (37.5%). Four parasite genera were identified: Moniezia spp., Taenia spp., Toxocara spp., and Spirometra spp. Moniezia spp. was the most prevalent (45.4%), followed by Taenia spp. (23.1%), Toxocara spp. (19.4%), and Spirometra spp. (12.0%). Parasite burden varied between abattoirs, with Abattoir A showing higher intensity (4.93) compared to Abattoir B (1.36). Differences in infection rates were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial burden of gastrointestinal parasites in goats slaughtered for human consumption in Yenagoa, with notable zoonotic implications, particularly from Taenia and Toxocara species. Improved husbandry practices, routine deworming, and strengthened abattoir inspection systems are recommended to reduce transmission risks and enhance public health safety.

Preliminary Checklist of Freshwater Fishes from the Eraviperoor Region of the Manimala River, Kerala, India

A. Hanna, Reena P. George — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Western Ghats of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, support exceptionally high freshwater fish diversity and endemism, particularly in the southern region, making them a critical area for ichthyological research and conservation. The present study provides a preliminary checklist of freshwater fishes recorded from the Eraviperoor region of the Manimala River, Kerala. The Manimala River is a west-flowing river draining the southern Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Fish samples were collected from January to April 2026 using gill nets, cast nets, and traditional trap nets. A total of 17 fish species belonging to 17 genera, 13 families, and 9 orders were recorded during the survey. The order Cypriniformes was the most species-rich, represented by four species, followed by Siluriformes and Anabantiformes with four and three species, respectively. Among the recorded species, eight (47.06%) were categorized as Least Concern (LC), two (11.76%) as Vulnerable (VU), one (5.88%) as Near Threatened (NT), and one (5.88%) as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List. Three species had not yet been assessed by the IUCN. Two species, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Labeo rohita, were identified as exotic to the river system. Notably, the checklist includes recently described taxa such as Heteropneustes fuscus Plamoottil, 2021 (Travancore Black Stinging Catfish), and Pristolepis rubripinnis Britz, Kumar & Baby, 2012 (Red-finned Catopra). As the survey was conducted at a single sampling station, the checklist does not represent the complete ichthyofaunal diversity of the Manimala River. The occurrence of threatened and endemic species, together with exotic fishes, highlights the conservation importance of the Manimala River and underscores the need for further comprehensive biodiversity assessments.