Prevalence of fecal-detected gastrointestinal parasites in cattle, sheep, and goats across sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic evidence map and meta-analysis

IntroductionGastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) are a major constraint to the health and productive performance of ruminant livestock across sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Yet, evidence of their occurrence in cattle, sheep, and goats (CSG) has not yet been synthesized at regional scale. This systematic evidence map and meta-analysis estimated the prevalence of fecal-detected GIP infection, described reported parasite taxa, and identified evidence gaps relevant to surveillance and control.MethodsStudies from countries in SSA reporting fecal-based GIP prevalence in CSG and published between 2015 and 2024 were identified via a systematic literature search conducted between April and July 2025. The pooled prevalence was estimated using random-effects meta-analysis of proportions, with subgroup analyses by host species, geographic regions, sample source, and fecal analysis method.Results111 studies from 18 countries, comprising 57,500 animals, were included. The pooled prevalence of infection with one or more GIP taxa in CSG was 59.1% (95% CI, 54.6–63.6; 95% PI, 14.7–95.6). Prevalence was higher in sheep (64.0%) and goats (63.3%) than in cattle (48.2%). Prevalence was highest in West (74.9%) and Central Africa (74.0%), followed by East Africa (55%), and lowest in Southern Africa (26.4%), although heterogeneity was very high (I2 = 99.2%). Strongyloides and Fasciola were the most frequently reported genera, while Haemonchus contortus and Fasciola gigantica were the most frequently reported species among records with species-level identification. Evidence was concentrated in Ethiopia and Nigeria, and most studies relied on routine coprological methods with limited species-level resolution.ConclusionsThis first SSA-wide evidence map identified major geographic and diagnostic surveillance gaps and points to strongyle-type nematodes in small ruminants and Fasciola spp. in cattle as priority targets for improved surveillance and integrated parasite management.