Burden of Ovine Fasiolosis in Sherka Woreda Arsi, Ethiopia

Abstract

Fasciolosis is an important helminthic infection causing economic losses due to morbidity and mortality thereby contributing to loss in productivity to livestock industry in Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was, therefore, conducted from December 2015 to April 2016 to determine the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in four peasant associations in Shirka Woreda, Arsi, Ethiopia. Sedimentation technique was employed to detect Fasciola eggs during the study. A total of 384 sheep were involved in the study amongst which 118 were found to be positive with an overall prevalence of 30.70 per cent. Zenbabahella, Hanu Jawe, Sole Ferekesa and HelaTijoSero peasant associations (PAs) accounted for 35, 30.8, 34.8 and 23.076 per cent, respectively. The prevalence of fasciolosis was associated with different variables. Young sheep (31.62%) showed higher prevalence rate than adult sheep (29.6%). Prevalence of fasciolosis by sex was 35% and 29.2% in male and female, respectively. In addition, sheep with poor body condition (34%) showed higher prevalence than their counterparts. Over all, none of the variables has shown statistical difference (p>0.05). Therefore, based on the above information ovine fasciolosis was prevalent in the studied areas and could be potential basis for economic loss in these areas. Thus strategies aimed at the parasite and its intermediate host as well appropriate grazing management practices in the study area are recommended.