Science et technologie vétérinaires

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors to Lice Infestation in Sheep of Arsi High Land, Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract

Eyob Eticha, Diriba Lemma, Birhanu Abera and Hani Selemon

This study was done from November 2011 to March 2012. A total of 384 sheep from Tiyo District of Arsi Zone, around High land area of Asella were selected for the study. A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of lice in sheep and to identify major species of lice in the study area. The densities of lice were determined through counting after parting of the fleece/wool at five (5) points on a length of 10 cm in different regions of the body (neck, shoulder, back, rump and flank) on both sides. The overall prevalence of lice infestation was found 53.9% (n=384). From this Damalina ovis takes the highest prevalence in each variable (sex, age, body condition and month) whereas Linognathus ovillus had lower prevalence in each variable. The prevalence of lice for female and male was 53.26% and 56.4%, respectively. Adult and young infestation rate of lice was 51.52% and 57.5%, respectively. Prevalence of lice infestation in good, medium and poor body condition was 36.8% (64), 62.7% (94) and 81.7% (49), respectively. The prevalence of lice in November was 74.44% (94), in January 32.8% (42) and in February 55.5% (71). There is statistically significant difference in the occurrence of lice infestation between body condition scores and months (p<0.05) but there is no statistically significant difference between age and sex (p>0.05). These result shows that lice infestation has a great effect on the skin quality and on the production of meat and milk. From this result it can be concluded that occurrence of lice depends on body condition and climatic factor. Therefore, owners should practice good management system by keeping the hygiene of animal and by avoid mixing of healthy animals from diseased once with the use effective acarcide control.