Science et technologie vétérinaires

Small Ruminants Gastrointestinal Nematodiasis with Species Composition Identification in Humbo District, Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Asrat Bifaw, Paulos Wasihun and Adem Hiko

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018 in Humbo district, Wolaita zone with the objective of estimating the prevalence and risk factors associated with small ruminants’ gastrointestinal nematodes parasites. A total of 384 fecal samples were examined in simple floatation method in laboratory, 218 (56.8%) were found positive for at least one types of gastrointestinal nematode parasites. The study showed that 78/159 (49.1%) of goats and 140/225 (62.2%) sheep were found infected. Based on coprological method different types of nematode eggs were identified including Strongyle type 189 (49.2%), Strongyloid Spp. 39 (10.2%), Trichuris Spp. 12 (3.1%) and Ascaris Spp 2 (0.52%) as a general in both Sheep and Goat. In the same laboratory technique Strongyle 55.1%, Strongyloide 9.8% and Trichuris 3.6% were recorded in Sheep while, Strongyle 40.9%, Strongyloide 10.7%, Trichuris 2.5% and Ascaris 1.26% in Goats were recorded. Strongyle and Strongyloid Spp. (5.5%) were commonly encountered as mixed infection followed by Strongyle type, Strongyloid Spp and Trichuris Spp. (2.5%). There was significant association (P<0.05) between the gastrointestinal nematode infection in animals with different species, sex, body conditions and study site. However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in prevalence between age groups of the animals. Gastrointestinal nematodes are observed in our finding as a problem in small ruminants that could hinder the animal performance and production system in study area. Therefore, emphasis should be given for effective prevention, control and treatment as well as creating community-based education on the associated risk factors of gastrointestinal nematodes infection in the study area.