"Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Sheep and Goats in and Around Chora Botor District, Oromia Regional State"

Abstract

This study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022 with the aim of studying the prevalence of ectoparasites of in small ruminants in and around Cora botor district. A total of 384 (202 sheep and 182 goats) were included in this study. Out of these animals 229 (59.6%) animals were found being infested with one or more species of ectoparasites. Of a total of examined animals; 118 (58.4%) of sheep and 101 (55.5%) of goats were positive for various species of ectoparasites. This study has revealed that lice were the predominant ectoparasites followed by tick, mange mite and fleas in sheep and goats. The present study has shown that ectoparasites are among important causes of skin damage which is likely to cause significant economic loss. To reduce this loss management practices should be put in the place to control infestations of valuable animals.