Abstract
A cross sectional study was conducted in cattle herds in Yola metropolis from January to March 2018; aimed at detecting Schistosoma antibodies using IgG Schistosoma ELISA kits (Diagnostic Automation/ Cortez Diagnostic INC Woodland Hills California, USA). Four wards; Bole Yolde Pate, Karewa, Namtari and Ngurore were randomly selected and animal identification based on location, management system, age, breed and sex were recorded. A total of 200 sera samples were tested for Schistosoma antibodies. An overall seroprevalence of 6.5% (13/200) was obtained in this study. Highest Schistosoma antibodies was detected in Ngurore ward 18.5% (5/27); while least antibody detection of 3.7% (3/81) was recorded in Karewa ward. Based on management system, an extensive management system had the highest seroprevalence (9.8%) whereas least seroprevalence (3.7%) was recorded for both intensive and semi intensive management system. Detection of Schistosoma antibodies from both location and management system varies insignificantly (p>0.05). Young animals had higher prevalence (7.9%) than the adult animals (6.2%). Based on breed, no Schistosoma antibody was detected in Cross Breeds, while Schistosoma antibodies were detected from Red Bororo 7.6% (1/13), White Fulani 6.9% (10/145) and Sokoto Gudali breeds 6.3% (2/32). Sex specific prevalence showed higher prevalence in males (10.4%) than in females (4.5%). No statistical significant association was found between schistosomosis and age, sex and breed (p>0.05). The present study provides a baseline data on the prevalence and distribution of Schistosoma infection in cattle in the study area. A further expanded study that may cover the entire state as well as control measures designed to target the parasite and its intermediate host to prevent higher prevalence rates in future was recommended.

Key words: Adamawa state, Cattle, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, Schistosomosis, Seroprevalence