Assessing the prevalence and control of internal parasites in goats in Chipinge

Author

Macharaga, Gracious

Title

Assessing the prevalence and control of internal parasites in goats in Chipinge

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the prevalence, awareness, and control of internal parasites in goats among farmers in Chipinge District, Zimbabwe. The research specifically focused on evaluating farmers’ knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites, the challenges they faced in parasite control, and the effectiveness of their management practices. A cross-sectional research design was employed, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews to collect data from 100 randomly selected goat farmers. Additionally, key informant interviews with agricultural extension officers and local authorities provided qualitative insights into parasite control practices. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to interpret the data, highlighting trends in awareness, management strategies, and major constraints. The data analysis revealed that 86% of the farmers were aware of the economic impact of internal parasites, but only 45% regularly monitored their goats for infections. The results indicated that 4.36 was the highest mean score recorded for the implementation of integrated pest management strategies, suggesting that farmers recognized the importance of combining control methods. However, only 3.74 was recorded for rotational grazing, indicating that land constraints hindered its adoption. Additionally, inconsistent deworming practices, reported by 38% of the farmers, contributed to the growing challenge of anthelmintic resistance. Farmers with more experience and better access to veterinary services demonstrated higher awareness and adoption of effective parasite control measures compared to those with fewer resources. The study concluded that while farmers had substantial knowledge of internal parasites, practical challenges such as limited veterinary access, poor diagnostic practices, and financial constraints hindered effective control. It was recommended that policymakers strengthen veterinary extension services, subsidize diagnostic tools, and promote sustainable deworming practices to reduce anthelmintic resistance. Farmers were encouraged to adopt integrated parasite management strategies, including targeted deworming, rotational grazing, and improved sanitation. Future research should focus on the effectiveness of traditional herbal dewormers and the impact of climate change on parasite prevalence.

Date

September 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Prevalence, Awareness

Control of Internal Parasites in Goats

Gastrointestinal Parasites

Supervisor

N/A