Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Small Ruminants Presented at Mekelle University Veterinary Hospital, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from November, 2016 to March, 2017 to determine the prevalence and to identify ectoparasites on small ruminants presented at Mekelle University Veterinary Hospital. A total of 381small ruminants (231sheep) and (150 goats) were examined for the presence of ectoparasites. Accordingly, a total of 231 (51.9%) sheep and 150 (56.0%) goats were found infested with one or more ectoparasites. The overall ectoparasite prevalence of both sheep and goats was 53.5% (204). Ectoparasites identified in sheep were: ticks (37.6%), fleas (5.2%), lice (3.9%), sheep ked (1.7%), mite (2.2%), and mixed infections (1.3%); whereas, in goats ectoparasites encountered were: ticks (46%), fleas (6%), and lice (4%).No statistical significant difference (P>0.05) were found between the species of small ruminants and the overall ectoparasite infestation as well as ectoparasite prevalence to body condition. However, species of small ruminants were significantly associated with Tick infestation (P<0.05). Total ectoparasite prevalence was significantly (P<0.05) higher in adult than young and female than male small ruminants respectively. The analysis showed us there was statistically significant association (P<0.05) in the prevalence of ticks with age of small ruminants, while it was relatively higher prevalence of ticks (36.5%) in adult than (4.5%) in young. This study demonstrates high infestation of ectoparasites in small ruminants signifying the need for control activities to be undertaken in the area to reduce their impact on the growth and productivity of small ruminants as well as on the leather industry by creating awareness about the importance and control of ectoparasites for farmers.