Abstract:
The aim of the study was to assess the diseases affecting sheep and goat production and
productivity in three districts of Ilu Abba Bora Zone, southwest Ethiopia. Results of the study revealed that
38, 35.5, 34.4, 12.2 and 4.4% of the respondents identified gastrointestinal worms, persistent nasal discharge,
coughing, trypanosomiasis and anthrax as the major health problem of small ruminants, respectively. The
average mortality of sheep and goats over the last 12 months was significantly (P<0.05) lower in Mettu than
that of Bacho and Darimu districts. The majority (92.6%) of the respondents used veterinary medicines to treat
their sick animals. It can be suggested that technological intervention by concerned stakeholders is vital
consideration to improve small ruminant health through efficient health maintenance scheme.
