Ovine Lungworms in Tiyo District, South-East Ethiopia: Prevalence, Effect of Altitude and Major Host Related Risk Factors

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2009 up to March 2010 to determine the prevalence and the predominant species of lung worms and to evaluate the effect of altitude and major host related risk factors on the occurrence of these parasites in sheep of Tiyo district, south east Ethiopia. Samples were randomly collected from 382 animals and examined using a Modified Baermann technique. Consequently, the overall prevalence was 57.1%. Dictyocaulus filaria was the predominant species. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the infection among the various altitudes, age group and body condition of sheep as well as between male and female animals. Logistic regression analysis revealed that highland sheep are virtually three times and midland sheep are almost twice more likely to be infected with lungworms than sheep from lowland. Female sheep are nearly three times more likely to be infected than male ones. A decrease in one-year of age has a 44.0% (95% CI; 22.9%, 84.3%) increase in the chances of being infected with lungworms. Lastly, the odds of sheep with poor body conditions and medium body conditions to be infected with lungworms as compared to sheep with good body conditions is 27.8% (95% CI; 15.5%, 49.6%) and 7.2% (95% CI; 3.8%, 13.7%) respectively. In conclusion, our work revealed that lungworms belong to the major parasites that affect the health and productivity of sheep in the area; hence, due attention should be given to the sector to mitigate the setback.