Survey of Ectoparasites Infesting Domestic Livestock in Sokoto State, North West Nigeria

This study surveys the prevalence and species diversity of ectoparasites infesting cattle, sheep, and goats in selected communities of Sokoto State, located in Nigeria's North West geopolitical zone. Ectoparasitic infestations impose significant economic burdens on pastoral communities through reduced productivity, hide damage, and vector-borne disease transmission, yet systematic surveys in Sokoto State are scarce. Using a cross-sectional design, 240 livestock from 30 herds across four local government areas were examined by systematic body surface inspection over four months. Ectoparasites recovered were preserved in 70 percent ethanol and identified morphologically using standard taxonomic keys. Data on animal species, age, sex, and management system were recorded. A total of 11 ectoparasite species were identified, comprising seven tick species, two louse species, one mite species, and one fly species. Rhipicephalus decoloratus and Amblyomma variegatum were the most prevalent ticks, found on 68 and 54 percent of cattle respectively. Mixed infestations were recorded in 61 percent of positive animals. Cattle showed significantly higher ectoparasite prevalence than sheep and goats. Animals managed under continuous communal grazing had higher infestation levels than those under rotational systems. Season significantly influenced prevalence, with peak infestations during the wet season. The study provides the first systematic ectoparasite survey for Sokoto State livestock and recommends strategic acaricide use, rotational grazing, and regular veterinary inspection as priority control measures. Keywords: ectoparasites, ticks, livestock, Sokoto State, prevalence.