A cross-sectional survey and follow up study on major dairy health problems in large and small scale urban farms in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia.

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted with the objective of estimating the incidence of major dairy health problems in the area.

RESULT: From a cross-sectional survey (n = 475) and follow up study (n = 68), an overall incidence of 43.00 and 29.02% was reported respectively. This study showed biting fly (9.51%), respiratory problems (7.80%), mastitis (5.13%), actinomycosis (5.12%), dystocia (4.42%), endoparasites (3.81%), retention fetal membrane (3.63%), tick infestation (2.91%), lameness (2.94%), vaginal and uterine prolepses (2.51%), skin related problem (1.70%) and abortion (1.70%) were the main dairy health problems identified. In addition, the follow up study revealed; retention fetal membrane (5.91%), tick infestation (5.91%), respiratory problem (2.91%), mastitis (2.94%), endoparasites (2.94%), lameness (2.94%), dystocia (2.94%), actinomycosis (1.53%) and skin related problems (1.53%). The incidence of dairy reproductive problems showed statistically significant variation among local and cross breeds (P < 0.05). Incidence of infectious diseases among dairy cows managed under intensive and semi-intensive management systems showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). Moreover, incidence of physical injury was also showed a significant difference among animal breeds and management system (P < 0.05). However, reproductive problems among management system and infectious diseases among breeds showed a significant difference (P > 0.05). Overall, this study showed dairy animals are exposed to various type of diseases.