Assessment On The Prevalence Of Ectoparasites In Cattle And Small Ruminant In Wegdi Woreda, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Infestation of small ruminants and cattles by ectoparasites such as ticks, mites, lice and fleas could lead to considerable economic loss due to morbidity, mortality and skin rejection. These could be due to poor management & housing system and absence of immediate veterinary treatment. In line with these, a laboratory based cross-sectional study was conducted in wogdie district of South wollo Zone, to assess the prevalence and type of ectoparasites and to identify risk factor associate with ectoparasite infestation in small ruminant and cattles. The study district was purposively selected based on livestock population potential and accessibility. About 120 households 30 from each kebeles were selected for household survey. Data was collected through structured questioner, focus group discussion and secondary sources and laboratory analysis. SPSS statistical computer software was used to analyze the data and descriptive statistics. The study showed decreasing trends in livestock population. Out of the total ectoparasites identification 13.3% ticks and 15.8% lice were recorded. The prevalence of ectoparasites in sheep and goats were 38.4% and 31.7%, respectively. In the present study, 29.4% of the small ruminants were diseased with a single ectoparasite while 5.5% mixed infestation. Poor animal housing & management might contribute to this high prevalence of ectoparasite in the study area. From the result of the study it is recommended that in order to improve productivity and reproductive performance of livestock population in the study area, appropriate management practices and good veterinary services should be implemented.