Epidemiological study on ectoparasite infestation of small ruminants in Sodo Zuria District, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of equine strongyles in Meneze Keya Geberial district from July 2013 to September 2013. Coprological examination using floatation technique and assessing risk factors were followed. A total of 390 equines, 204 donkeys, 174 horses, and 12 mules were included in the study. The overall prevalence was found to be 64.61% and the species specific prevalence was 62.3, 69, and 41.7% in donkeys, horses and mules, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) on the prevalence of the gastro-intestinal (GI) strongyles infection among different species of equines. The age level prevalence was 64.6% in young equine and 64.6% in adult equines. Statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence of GI strongyles infection in different sex of equine was found. No statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of GI strongyle infection related to age and body condition was found. In conclusion, strongyles infection is widely distributed in equine in the study area. Strategic prevention and control to strongyles infection should be devised and implemented. Further researches on determining the management practices which predisposes equines to strongyle infections should be conducted.