Authors : Jemere Bekele, Martha Tariku and Rahmeto Abebe
Abstract: A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and identifying the major species of external parasites in small ruminants was carried out in seven localities (peasant associations) of Wolmera district from October 2008 to April 2009. External parasites were collected manually by hand or using forceps (for ticks). Specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol and subsequently examined in the laboratory for identification. Out of 322 sheep and 130 goats examined, 99.38% of sheep and 96.92% goats were infested with one or more external parasites. Seven genera of external parasites were identified in both sheep and goats which belong to lice, ticks, fleas and sheep ked. Damalinia ovis (83.23%) was the most dominant of all external parasites identified in sheep while Amblyomma variegatum (66.15%) was the uppermost of other external parasites in goats. Moreover, external parasites like Damalinia caprae, Linognathus ovillus, Linognathus stenopsis, Boophilus decoloratus, Rhipicephallus evertsi, Melophagus ovinus and Ctenocephalides species were detected at different degrees of magnitude. This finding has unveiled that external parasites are major problems in small ruminants in the study area. Lacks of awareness about the significance of the problems among owners and inaccessibility for control schemes have contributed to the widespread nature of external parasites in the area. In view of the significance of skin and hide production as a main source of foreign currency to the country and the ever increasing demands of livestock market, the high prevalence of external parasites prevailing in small ruminants in the area requires serious attention at the district level to minimize the effect of the problem.
Jemere Bekele, Martha Tariku and Rahmeto Abebe, 2011. External Parasite Infestations in Small Ruminants in Wolmera District of Oromiya Region, Central Ethiopia. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 10: 518-523.