Post-Mortem Survey of Pulmonary Lesions in Goats Slaughtered at Maiduguri Central Abattoir, Borno State

Respiratory diseases in small ruminants represent a critical challenge to livestock production in the arid zones of Nigeria, particularly in the North East region where environmental stressors compound disease susceptibility. This study conducted a systematic post-mortem examination of pulmonary lesions in goats slaughtered at Maiduguri Central Abattoir, Borno State, over a six-month period from January to June 2024. A total of 200 goats of mixed breeds and ages were examined. Lung specimens with macroscopic abnormalities were collected, fixed in formalin, processed histologically, and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Gross lesions observed included cranioventral consolidation, fibrinous pleuritis, pulmonary abscesses, and emphysema. Histopathologically, bronchopneumonia characterised by alveolar infiltration with neutrophils and macrophages was the most prevalent finding, recorded in 42 percent of examined animals. Fibrinous pneumonia and suppurative bronchitis were also documented. The high prevalence of respiratory lesions was attributed to stress during transportation, overcrowding, and inhalation of dust and aerosolised pathogens. These findings corroborate recent studies on small ruminant respiratory disease in the Lake Chad Basin region. The study recommends improved slaughter practices, enforcement of ante-mortem rest periods, and veterinary inspection capacity building at provincial abattoirs in the North East zone to reduce condemnation losses and safeguard public health. Keywords: goats, pulmonary lesions, abattoir, Maiduguri, histopathology