J. A. Yohanna et al. 51 International Journal of Biomedical and Health Sciences 0794-4748/2019 $5.00 + 0.00 Vol. 15, No.2, June 30, 2019 © 2019 African Studies on Population and Health Printed in Nigeria http://www.asopah.org IJBHS 15201 Prevalence of Helminth Parasites of Ruminants in Abattoir Market Jos, Jos South Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria J. A. Yohanna* 1 , G. K. Dung 1 , V. A. Adejoh 2 and D. D Pam 1 1 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria 2 Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Federal University Lafia, Nassarawa State, Nigeria. *Corresponding Author (Received October 17, 2018; Accepted January 7, 2019) ABSTRACT: Gastrointestinal parasitic infections of animals cause economic losses to farmers and low nutritional value to consumers. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite found in Abattoir Market, Jos Plateau State. A total of 205 faecal samples were examined using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Of the 205 samples examined, 193(94.1%) were infected with four groups of parasites of which the nematodes 80(41.40%) were significantly (P<0.0001) prevalent. The cattle were significantly (P=0.04727) more infected 78(40.40%) while the goats 50(26.00%) were the least infected by helminth parasites. Male ruminants 100(48.80%) were more infected than female ruminants 93(45.40%). There was no significant difference (P=0.09278) in the prevalence of helminth parasite in relation to gender. The adult cattle 45(21.95%) were significantly (P=0.03797) more infected with helminth parasites, while the young goats 29(9.16%) were the least infected. The most prevalent helminth parasite encountered was Taenia saginata40(20.33%) while Dicocoelium dendriticum 4(2.07%) was the least prevalent parasite. There was a high significant difference (P=0.0001061) in the prevalence of helminth parasite species in relation to ruminants. The result of the study revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among animals slaughtered in the study area. Therefore, there is need to educate the farmers on proper animal health care, feeding, sanitary conditions and routine deworming of their animals towards maximum productivity. Keywords: Abattoir, Gastrointestinal, Jos, Parasite. Introduction Ruminants including sheep, goats and cattle constitute the farm animals mostly reared in Nigeria (Lawal-Adebowale, 2012). They are an important source of animal protein, supplying a good percentage of the daily meat and dairy product in urban and rural settlements (Nwosu et al., 2007). Furthermore, their wastes products are of great agricultural significance. Elele et al. (2013) disclosed that helminthic parasites known to infect animals/ruminants are prevalent in Sub-Sahara Africa including Nigeria. Ruminants of all ages are parasitized by a host of helminthic parasites including members of the phyla Nematoda and Platyhelminthes. Species found within these phyla occupy several niches within their mammalian host ranging from intestinal lumen to intravascular or even intracellular sites (Littlewood & Bray, 2001; Afolabi et al., 2017) where they cause diseases, reduced growth rate, substantial loss of productivity, distention, weight loss, abortion, infertility, anorexia, anemia or death in severe cases. The resultant effect of helminthic parasitism is the severe economic loss incurred by the farmer and the nation at large (Junaidu & Adamu, 1997). It also portrays a major challenge to effectual and gainful livestock production in Nigeria.