Prevalence of Ovine Lungworms in Mekedella Woreda, Ethiopia.

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from September, 2011 to March, 2012 with the objective of determining the prevalence of ovine lungworm in Mekedalla woreda. Coprological examinations were conducted in 385 sheeps in which 168 were male, and 217 were female individuals. And questionnaire survey was under taken in 50 farmers to know about the disease and its impact in the study area. An overall prevalence of 28.6% was found by modified Beremannes techinqie examinations. The higher prevalence was observed in female (32.3%) than male (23.8%) and higher prevalence (33.7%) observed in less than 2 years old while the lowest (24.4%) observed in those of greater than 2 years old. Although the prevalence of lungworms was relatively higher in females and lower in less than two years old animals than male and greater than 2 year animals no significant difference was observed between all variables i.e., P>0.05 for all variables. This study revealed that the ovine lungworm is a major problem among livestock owners and incoordination among concerned bodies for control schemes have contributed to the widespread of parasite in the area. Prevalence of lungworms diseases prevailing in ovine in the area requires serious attention to minimize the effect of the problems and due to its impact on production; emphasis should be given for the control and prevention of lung worm infection in the study area.