Diseases are the major detriment in ruminant production and productivity in the study districts. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the major animal health constraints of ruminants. 461 species of sick ruminants were examined and diagnosed tentatively. Similarly, samples were collected and identified in the laboratory for confirmation of the cases. Of the clinically identified ruminant diseases, sheep and goat pox (11.93%), abortion (8.24%), pasteurellosis (8.46%), lice infestation (9.98%), tick infestation (5.86%), and flea infestation (5.21%) accounted for higher values. The proportion of infectious, non-infectious, ectoparasitic infestation, and reproductive diseases among clinically sick ruminants was 51.63, 9.97, 26.25, and 12.15%, respectively. The higher ectoparasitic infestation in the study district was lice infestation (38.02%) followed by tick (22.31%), flea (19.83%), mange mite (11.57%), and leech infestation (8.26%). The reproductive problems encountered were abortion (67.86%), retained placenta (25%), and dystocia (7.14%). The most prevalent infectious diseases encountered were sheep and goat pox (23.11), pastuerellosis (16.39), gastrointestinal tract parasitism (13.03), and anthrax (6.30). The most encountered non-infectious diseases were abscess (28.26) and bloat (17.39). In conclusion, infectious diseases and external parasites cause serious economic loss in the study districts. So, regular surveillance of animal disease coupled with vaccination of animals with available vaccines, regular spraying of acaricides and more importantly, public awareness in prevention and control of major livestock diseases in the districts is recommended.

Abstract:Infection with Haemonchus species in sheep at Arsi-Negele district was determined by differential third-stage larvae and the objective was to evaluate the validation of FAMACHA© chart in the diagnosis of Haemonchus infection. The animal's anemia level was determined by using the FAMACHA© method and their corresponding PCV (packed cell volume) were determined by haematocrit centrifugation method. The color of the ocular membrane of all animals was scored 1 to 5 using the FAMACHA© card and blood samples were collected from each animal for determination of PCV. Fecal samples also collected from sampled animals tested for fecal egg counts (FEC), and fecal culture for identification of third stage larvae of Haemonchus species. All sheep studied were negative for Fasciola and were not heavily infested by lice and ticks. A highly significant negative correlations [(R-square = 0.28, Coef. = -0.78); (R-square= 0.58, Coef= -0.34)] was observed between Haemonchus larvae and PCV, and PCV and eye color respectively. Positive correlations [(R-square= 0.19, Coef. = 1.53); (Rsquare=0.274, Coef= 0.05)] was observed between FAMACHA© score and Haemonchus infection, and FAMACHA© score and egg per gram of faces (EPG) respectively. The PCV of the Haemonchus positive sheep had a strong negative correlation with the EPG (R-square=0.53, Coef= -0.023). We evaluated the validity of FAMACHA© eye scoring to measure severely infested sheep and got strong correlation among FAMACHA© eye scoring, PCV and Fecal culture positivity. As a conclusion the FAMACHA© anaemia scoring guide can be used to treat only severely anemic sheep and hence reduce mass treatment and this reduce chance of drug resistance.

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Background Abortion is among the leading cause of production losses in Tigray. A retrospective study on abortion cases were conducted for over seven years in goat farm located in Tanqua Abergelle district of Ethiopia with the objectives of investigating the occurrence of abortion and associated risk factors. Results The study illustrated that the overall abortion rate observed was 29.8% in the goat farm. The highest abortion rate was observed in Begait goat breeds (50.9%, CI 0.36–0.64) during the 2015/16 study year. The chi-square test and univariable regression analysis revealed that the overall abortion rate significantly varied with breed type, season, age, and year (P < 0.05) but no variation with parity (P > 0.05). Accordingly, goats during the dry season (OR 1.74, CI 1.28–2.37) were more likely to have abortion than during the wet season (OR 0.29, CI 0.23–0.37) and Begait breeds (rate. 37.5%, OR 3.5, CI 1.85–7.23) show higher abortion as compared to the other breeds. Looking at the within breeds (animal level), the factors parity, age, years and season (p < 0.05) were among the important factors in Abergelle breeds, season and study years (P < 0.05) were significantly differed in Begait breeds, and none of the factors were important in cross breeds for the occurrence of abortion. A survey at the community level (outside the farm) revealed that 26 out of 29 (89.7%) households responded that their goats experienced abortion. Conclusions The results showed that high abortion rate and seasonally and/or yearly varied abortion cases were observed along with causative agents remained to be investigated. This research finding could provide essential information for the breeding research center and nearby farmers to introduce better management, and abortion prevention methods. In addition, appropriate investigation to identify the causes of abortion should be the next research direction.

Ectoparasites are a major concern in sheep and goat flocks, wherever sheep and goat are kept. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the districts of Kola Tembien and Tanqua Abergelle from September 2014 to June 2017 with the objectives of identifying external parasites to their species level. Randomly selected sheep and goats were clinically examined for the presence of ectoparasites or lesions and identified in National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Center (NAHDIC) by using taxonomical and entomological examination. A total of 237 sheep and goats were examined randomly for the presence of external parasites. Eight species of external parasites were identified and found on both species of animals. The species of external parasites with their prevalence included Amblyomma variegatum (35.4%), Rhipicephalus parvus (22.8%), Rhipicephalus praetextatus (8.4%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (7.6%), Ctenocephalides felis felis (5.1%), Linognathus africanus (11.8%), Rhipicephalus evertsi (2.5%), Hyalomma truncatum (6.5%). Both in sheep and goats, there was no significant difference between infestation of external parasites and the associated risk factors except for Amblyomma variegatum which was higher in Tanqua Abergelle (25.7%) than Kola Tembien (9.7%). The odd of infestation by Amblyomma variegatum in goat was 3.5 higher than in sheep. To minimize the prevalence of external parasites urgent and well-coordinated external parasites control measures should be taken.