Prevalence of Dermatophilosis in Cattle in Adamawa State, North East Nigeria

This study investigates the prevalence of dermatophilosis (streptothricosis), caused by Dermatophilus congolensis, in cattle in Adamawa State, located in Nigeria's North East geopolitical zone. Dermatophilosis is a significant skin disease of cattle in sub-humid tropical environments, causing crusted skin lesions, hide damage, secondary infections, and production losses, yet its distribution and prevalence in Adamawa State are incompletely characterised. Using a cross-sectional design, 250 cattle from five local government areas representing distinct agroecological conditions were clinically examined for dermatophilosis lesions. Skin crust samples from suspected cases were subjected to Giemsa-stained impression smears and bacteriological culture for confirmation. Information on tick infestation status, animal housing conditions, and previous disease history was collected through farmer interviews. Findings revealed an overall clinical prevalence of 19.2 percent, with the wet season and high tick infestation rates as significant risk factors. Crossbred animals showed higher susceptibility than indigenous zebu cattle. Dermatophilus congolensis was confirmed from 87 percent of culture-positive samples. The study identifies combined tick control and improved housing as the most impactful prevention strategies. Recommendations include strategic acaricide treatment to reduce tick vectors, avoidance of overcrowding, and early treatment of clinical cases with penicillin or tetracycline to limit spread within herds. The findings support the need for integrated skin disease surveillance in cattle populations across the North East zone. Keywords: dermatophilosis, cattle, Adamawa State, Dermatophilus congolensis, prevalence.