Abstract
A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to April 2019 to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with sheep and goat gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites in and around Gondar town, Northwest of Ethiopia. A total of 384 sheep and goats fecal samples (313 sheep and 71 goats) were collected and examined using standard parasitological techniques. The present study revealed that an overall prevalence of 56.77% with prevalence rate of 185 (59.11%) and 33(46.48%) in sheep and goats respectively. From the examined samples mixed infection was recorded with about 21.35%. The parasitic species identified were Strongyle spps (22.14%), Trichuris spps (0.52%), Monezia (2.5%), Emeria spps (0.260%). Female animals were found with higher prevalence of helminthes infection rate than male animals with a prevalence of 48.98% and 61.60%, respectively. Higher prevalence was observed in young animals (69.61%) than adult animals (45.32%). Body conditions and production system also showed significance difference (P<0.05) in the occurrence of GI parasites of sheep and goats in the study area. It can be concluded that, in the study area there was high prevalence of GIT parasites in sheep and goats with age, sex, body condition and production system as important risk factors. Therefore, strategic uses of anthelmintics drugs and good management should be given for the control and prevention of GIT parasites as well as further studies to determine burden of the parasites and seasonal variation is \recommended.
Highlights
In Ethiopia small ruminants represent the most important part of the Ethiopian livestock system
The species prevalence of 185 (59.11%) and 33(46.48%) in sheep and goats, respectively were infected at least by one parasite species, and these give an overall prevalence of 56.77% in both species
Females and males were found to be infested with a significant variation (P < 0.05); higher prevalence of GIT parasites was observed in female animals (61.60%) as compared to males (48.98%) between the two sexes
Summary
In Ethiopia small ruminants represent the most important part of the Ethiopian livestock system. These animals are almost entirely managed by the poor small-holder farmers and pastoralists (Sissay, 2007). The full exploration of this production was hindered due to traditional husbandry and management system, poor genetic potential of local breeds and the presence of numerous animal diseases (Mtenga et al, 1994). Gastrointestinal parasite infections are a world-wide problem for both small and large-scale farmers, but their impact is greater in sub-Saharan Africa in general and in Ethiopia due to the availability of a wide range of agroecological factors suitable for diversified hosts and parasite species. Gastrointestinal parasites causes economic losses due to lowered fertility, reduced work capacity, involuntary culling, lower weight gains, treatment costs and mortality in heavily parasitized animals (Fikru, 2006)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
