Common Infectious and Parasitic Diseases in Goats of Tropical Africa and their Impacts on Production Performance: A Review

Abstract

Available scientific studies on goat diseases in tropical Africa are limited to specific regions or specific diseases. This study aimed to review scientific research findings on goat diseases in tropical Africa, focusing on their prevalence and impacts on production performance. All main diseases, such as parasitic, viral, and bacterial diseases, are included in the present study. Studies conducted in different countries have revealed high prevalence rates of gastrointestinal parasites exceeding 95%. These parasites resulted in growth retardation and reduced carcass weight at slaughter. Management of mites could decrease production and reproductive function. Trypanosomiasis led to decreased hematocrit levels, abortions, low birth weight, and high kid mortality. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis has been different across regions, ranging from 2.95% to 57.1%. Peste des Petits Ruminants has been reported in many African countries, causing significant outbreaks with seroprevalence rates ranging from 30% to 55%. Rift Valley fever was characterized by high mortality in adult goats (20-30%) and numerous abortions 2 weeks after infection, with seroprevalence rates ranging up to 25.8%. Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia indicated high morbidity (approximately 100%) and high mortality (80% to 100%), with prevalence ranging from 22% to 39% in abattoirs and from 35% to 52% in farms. Brucellosis did not affect the weight of infected animals but reduced litter size in goats and disrupts vital organs. This review highlights the extent of goat diseases in tropical Africa to determine the most appropriate prevention and control strategies.