Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Sheep and Goats in An- Lemo, Hadiya Zone Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Infestation with gastrointestinal parasites in extensively managed animals is common and cause significant economic losses. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants in the An-Lemo, Hadiya zone in Ethiopia. Methods : A cross-sectional study involving 383 animals(208 sheep and 175 goats). Standard parasitological techniques and copro-culture was used to identify parasite eggs, and determination of larvae some nematodes, respectively. Findings: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites was 74.41%, out of this 123(70.28%) were goats and 165 (79.32%) were sheep. Dis aggregating results by sex 161(75.23%) of female animals and 124(73.37%) male animals were infected by single or mixed infection. With regards to body condition a total of 73(19.06%), 140(36.55%) and170 (44.38%) animals with good, medium, and poor body condition respectively include for examination. Out of these 28(38.35%), 110(78.57%and147 (86.47%) of animals infected with good, medium, and poor body conditions respectively and body condition of small ruminants showed a significant association with the prevalence of the gastrointestinal parasite (p<0.05). The most prevalent infection identified were strongyles with 102 animals (26.63%), and strongyloides 14(3.65%) were found the second-highest prevalent in the woreda followed by coccidian infection in 48 animals (12.01%); monieza 12(3.13%) and fasciola10 (2.61%). Double infection cocccidia with monieza 14(3.65%) was found the highest mixed infection followed by strongyle with monieza 11(2.87%) and co-infection of Trichur is with coccidian10(2.61%). Application: The result revealed that there was high infestation rate, particular attention should be given to the management of small ruminants. A general means of reducing infestation might be systematic through providing awareness of the community and regular testing and deworming of small ruminants. Keywords: Ethiopia; Extensive grazing system; Gastrointestinal parasites; Prevalence; Small ruminants