Haylemaryam , Habtom Araya2026-02-242026-02-242025-10https://ir-library.ku.ac.ke/handle/123456789/32551A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Applied Parasitology) in the School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University, October 2025. Supervisors 1. Dr. Fredrick Maloba- Department of Zoological Sciences 2. Dr. Joshua Mutiso- Department of Zoological Sciences 3. Dr. Efrem Ghebremeskel- Director of National Animal and Plant Health Laboratory, Ministry of Agriculture Asmara, EritreaGastrointestinal parasites are the main cause of parasitic infections in livestock especially in small ruminants including sheep and goats. Small ruminants are a major source of livelihoods for small-scale farmers in many parts of the world including Africa. These animals provide direct income from sales, as well as food products like the meat and milk. In Eritrea, small ruminants are a great source of income and food products for many small-scale farmers. However, the productivity in these animals has been greatly affected by infections associated with gastrointestinal parasites. Although some studies have been conducted and reported from the southern part of the country, there have been no reports on disease risk factors. In addition, there have been no studies carried out on disease prevalence and associated risk factors of GI-parasites in Maekel region of Eritrea. The aim of the current study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, associated risk factors and the zoonotic helminths from slaughter house in Maekel region, Eritrea. A total of 384 barka sheep and rora goats were sampled to determine the current gastrointestinal parasitic disease prevalence. Fecal samples were obtained from the animals and examined for the presence of parasites microscopically. Data were analyzed using STATA version 12 utilizing one-way analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and T test. Results indicated overall disease prevalence of 91.33% among the sampled animals. Different parasite species caused disease in varying infection rates including Haemonchus spp (27.2%), Eimeria spp, (19.79%), Cooperia spps (15.9%), Strongylus spps (11.9%), Monezia spp (7.8%), Ascaris spps (5.5%), Dictyocaulus filarial (5.2%), Paramphistomum cervix (5.2%), Oesophagostomum colunibiamum (3.7%), Chabertia.ovina (3.7%), Trichuris globulosa (3.4%), Ostertagia circuncincta (0.5%), Bunostomum trigunocephelum (2.1%) and Nematodirus (1.8%). The rainy season was associated with more infections than dry season. Zoonotic helminths of sheep and goats in Asmara slaughterhouse of Maekel region were dominated by hydatid cysts, Strongyloides, Trichuris, Ascaris, Paramphistomum, Dictyocaulus filaria, Haemonchus egg and Fasciola spp. Risk factors included poor housing, mixed housing with other animals, common water supply with other livestock, irregular deworming and poor knowledge of farmers on parasitic helminths. It was observed that significantly more female than male animals were infected with parasites (P<0.05). Based on these findings, the study concludes that parasitic infections are highly prevalent in sheep and goats in the study area. In addition, zoonotic parasites were common and the wet season was associated with higher infections than the dry season. Furthermore, risk factors like poor housing and contaminated water sources may be associated with increased infections as the lack of management practices. The study recommends introduction of mass drug administration targeting both humans and animals. In addition, community health education can be used to empower farmers with necessary knowledge and skills for disease prevention and control.enThesis