Survey of Dermatological Lesions in Sheep Presented at Veterinary Clinics in Enugu Urban, Enugu State

Skin diseases in sheep constitute a significant cause of morbidity in small ruminant populations of Nigeria's South East geopolitical zone, affecting fibre quality, hide value, and animal welfare. This retrospective and prospective study examined the clinicopathological features of dermatological lesions in sheep presented to veterinary clinics in Enugu Urban, Enugu State, from January 2022 to December 2023. A total of 97 sheep with skin abnormalities were recruited. Clinical examinations, skin scraping, and biopsy samples were collected and processed for parasitological and histopathological evaluation. Haematoxylin and eosin, as well as periodic acid-Schiff stains, were employed for tissue evaluation. The most prevalent conditions were mange mite infestation (35.1%), dermatophytosis (24.7%), contagious ecthyma (18.6%), and caseous lymphadenitis (12.4%). Histopathological features of mange revealed hyperkeratosis, spongiosis, and dermal eosinophilic infiltration. Contagious ecthyma lesions demonstrated ballooning epidermal degeneration with eosinophilic intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies. These findings are consistent with recent reports from South East Nigeria and comparable humid tropical environments. The study emphasises the need for routine dermatological screening of sheep at procurement, improved farmer education on zoonotic disease risks particularly from contagious ecthyma, and availability of appropriate anti-parasitic medications at local veterinary outlets. Keywords: sheep, dermatology, histopathology, skin lesions, Enugu