ETHNOVETERINARY PLANT SPECIES AND PRACTICES USED FOR THE CONTROL OF INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL PARASITES OF DOMESTIC ANIMALS IN OGUN STATE, SOUTHWEST NIGERIA

Parasites transmit pathogens to humans and animals with immeasurable economic losses. Current control of parasitism has been grossly inefficient, hence the need for alternatives. A survey was conducted to document medicinal plants used to control internal and external parasites of domestic animals in seven local government areas of Ogun State, Southwest Nigeria. A snowball sampling technique was used to identify key informants (37 traditional hunters and 10 Fulani herdsmen) and information obtained using a structured questionnaire. An extensive literature survey was thereafter done to check the veracity of the claims. Data obtained were analysed using PROC FREQ of SAS and fidelity level values (FL) were determined to estimate the therapeutic potential of the plants. Fourteen plants belonging to nine families were identified. Citrus aurantium L. (FL=96%) and Elaeis guineensis Jacq. (FL=87%) were the most frequently used plants. Leaves were the most used plant parts (54%) followed by the fruits (38%). The plant parts were prepared either as infusions, decoctions or applied topically. All the plants had reported ethnobotanical, pharmacological and phytochemical investigations to support the traditional claims of their antiparasitic activities. Lack of proper documentation can lead to loss of traditional knowledge and resources threatening the sustainability of rural animal healthcare systems. Further in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo pharmacological and clinical studies are ongoing to evaluate the overall efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of the listed plants in a bid to provide cheap and safe alternative parasite control.