Gastrointestinal parasite burden and host-related risk factors in goats and sheep under semi-intensive management in the Sudano-Guinean Zone of West Africa: insights from Benin

Gastrointestinal parasites are a major constraint to small ruminant productivity in sub-Saharan Africa, yet information on infection intensity, co-infection patterns, and host-related risk factors remains limited in Benin, particularly under semi-intensive systems. This study assessed the prevalence, infection intensity, and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites in goats and sheep reared under a semi-intensive management system in northern Benin. Seventy-two animals, including West African Dwarf, Red Maradi, and Long-Legged goats, as well as crossbred sheep, were randomly sampled during the rainy season. Fecal samples were analyzed using the Mini-FLOTAC technique to identify parasite genera and quantify egg and oocyst counts. Seven gastrointestinal parasite genera were identified, with an overall prevalence of 93.06%. Haemonchus spp. (80.6%), Eimeria spp. (69.4%), and Trichostrongylus spp. (56.9%) were the most prevalent and exhibited the highest infection intensities. Infection intensity varied significantly by parasite genus and host characteristics. Sheep exhibited higher parasite burdens than goats, while age emerged as a significant predictor only after adjustment in multivariable analyses. Sex had no significant effect on parasite intensity. Co-infections were common, with most animals harboring multiple parasite genera, and frequent co-occurrence patterns were observed among Haemonchus , Trichostrongylus , and Eimeria . Gastrointestinal parasites are highly prevalent in small ruminants under semi-intensive systems in northern Benin, with frequent co-infections and significant host-related differences in infection intensity. These findings highlight the dominance of highly fecund, directly transmitted parasites and emphasize the need for integrated parasite control strategies tailored to host species and production systems in northern Benin.