Study on prevalence of ovine Paramphistomiasis in Kutaber Woreda, South Wollo, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted to identify the current status of Paramphisthomum infections in small ruminants in Kutaber. A total of 384 fecal samples from small ruminants were collected and subjected to sedimentation technique. Out of 384 fecal samples inspected, 150 (39.1%) were positive for Paramphisthomum. The prevalence rates of 36.5 and 30.8% were observed in good and medium body condition, respectively. In adult and young sheep, the prevalence rates of 40.9 and 33.3 were identified from fecal samples inspected, respectively. The highest prevalence of Paramphistomiasis was observed in Lewcho (50.0%) followed by Beshilo (44.5%) and Elsa (42.1%) The lowest incidence of Paramphistomiasis was observed in Alansha (19.0%). Based on age groups, the highest prevalence rate was 40.9% observed in age category of adult and the lowest prevalence rate 33.3% was observed in young. When body condition was considered as a risk factor for the prevalence of Paramphistomiasis, 49.5, 30.8 and 36.5% was observed in poor, medium and good body condition respectively. The prevalence of Paramphistomiasis in male (33.9%) and female (41.3%) was recorded. This parasitic disease is distributed in every district and considered as one of the major setbacks to sheep product utilization causing direct and indirect losses.