Abstract
Ectoparasites are a major concern in sheep and goat flocks, wherever sheep and goat are kept. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the districts of Kola Tembien and Tanqua Abergelle from September 2014 to June 2017 with the objectives of identifying external parasites to their species level. Randomly selected sheep and goats were clinically examined for the presence of ectoparasites or lesions and identified in National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) by using taxonomical and entomological examination. A total of 237 sheep and goats were examined randomly for the presence of external parasites. Eight species of external parasites were identified and found on both species of animals. The species of external parasites with their prevalence included Amblyomma variegatum (35.4%), Rhipicephalus parvus (22.8%), Rhipicephalus praetextatus (8.4%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (7.6%), Ctenocephalides felis felis (5.1%), Linognathus africanus (11.8%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (2.5%), Hyalomma truncatum (6.5%). Both in sheep and goats, there was no significant difference between infestation of external parasites and the associated risk factors except for Amblyomma variegatum which was higher in Tanqua Abergelle (25.7%) than Kola Tembien (9.7%). The odd of infestation by Amblyomma variegatum in goat was 3.5 higher than in sheep. To minimize the prevalence of external parasites urgent and well-coordinated external parasites control measures should be taken. Key words: External parasites, identification, kola tembien, small ruminant, Tanqua Abergelle.
Highlights
Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock population in Africa (Solomon et al, 2003; Tilahun and Schmidt, 2012; UNDP, 2010)
Eight different types of external parasites have been identified in National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) by using taxonomical and entomological examination at species level
Our study revealed that eight species of external parasites have been found with a higher rate of infestation
Summary
Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock population in Africa (Solomon et al, 2003; Tilahun and Schmidt, 2012; UNDP, 2010). An estimate indicates that the country is a home for about 30.7 million sheep and 30.2 million goats. 99.8% of the sheep and most goat population of the country are local breeds (CSA, 2018). It contributes 15% of export earnings and 30% of agricultural employment (Behnke, 2010). Different causes of skin diseases in Ethiopia are accountable for considerable economic losses to the skin export due to various defects, 65% of which occur in the pre- slaughter states directly related mostly to skin diseases causing often rejection because of poor quality (Behnke, 2010)
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