Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted from April, 2017 to October 2018 to investigate the occurrence of major camel ectoparasites and associated risk factors in selected districts of Afar Regional State, Ethiopia. Out of the total camels (N=813) examined for ectoparasite infestation, about 629 of camels were infested with one or more species of parasites and the overall prevalence was 77.4%. About 17.44%, 10.57%, 1.97%, and 0.24% were accounted for single and mixed infestation with two, three and four parasites respectively. The study indicated that there were statistically significant variation (<I>P</I>< 0.05) in the prevalence of ectoparasites among sex, age group and body condition; However, there was no significant variation (P>0.05) in infestation rate in relation to areas. In this study four of genera ticks and one genera of mite were identified. The identified genera were Hyalomma (28.30%), Amblyomma (24.48%), Rhipicephalus (17.17%) and Boophilus (0.32%). The infestation of a single mite showed that; Sarcoptes scabiei var cameli (8.90%). Infestations in seven districts in the region ranged (70.06%) of Yallo 82.6% in Elidar district to but higher prevalence was found (80.5%) at Megale and (82.6%) Elidar district. In conclusion, the prevalence of ectoparasites in the present study was high in camel population in the study areas of the Afar region; therefore it is important to reduce parasitic infestation and its load through applying ectoparasitic drugs and externally applied chemicals.
Highlights
Camels (Camelus dromedarius) are animals of significant socio-economic importance that are best adapted to harsh environments and fluctuating nutritional conditions of arid and extreme arid zones
Gastrointestinal parasites are the major camel health problems that reduce production performance of camel. Ectoparasites such as mange mites, ticks and insects are responsible for disease transmission and block efficiency of productivity and performance of working camles [10]
Using an average expected prevalence rate of 50%, 95% confidence intervals (CI) at 5% desired accuracy
Summary
Camels (Camelus dromedarius) are animals of significant socio-economic importance that are best adapted to harsh environments and fluctuating nutritional conditions of arid and extreme arid zones. Disease caused by ecto-parasites and endoparasites result in major economic losses and hinder improvements in production and productivity efficiency of camel Borji et al [4]. Gastrointestinal parasites are the major camel health problems that reduce production performance of camel Ectoparasites such as mange mites, ticks and insects are responsible for disease transmission and block efficiency of productivity and performance of working camles [10]. The ecto-parasites harm the camel due to their parasitic nature and serve as a vector for transmission of wide variety of pathogens and diseases. Despite these facts, information is limited on distribution of ecto-parasites in the current study areas. 2) To determine the infestation rate of ecto-parasites and recommend possible control and prevention options
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