Prevalence and risk factors of ovine haemonchosis in Kutaber district, north-east Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND

Ovine haemonchosis is a widespread parasitic disease of sheep in Ethiopia, and understanding its prevalence and associated risk factors in Kutaber district is important for effective control.

METHODS

The research was cross-sectional study conducted from December 2023 to May 2024 at kutaber district, North Eastern Ethiopia with the objectives to determine prevalence of ovine haemoncosis and investigating potential associated risk factors. A total of 384 animals were selected by simple random sampling during the study period. parasitological diagnosis was based on coprology and larval culture.

RESULTS

Overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus was found 58.33% in the study area. Prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection was found significantly higher in animals with poor body condition (76.92%) compared to medium body condition (54.92%)(χ2=33.669, OR=2.7, CI=1.65-4.5) and good body condition (31.48%) (p < 0. 05, χ2=33.669, OR= 7.25, CI=3.5-14.87). Higher prevalence of ovine haemonchosis was recorded in young sheep (62.28%) than in older sheep (56.33%); in female (60.67%) than in male (54.31%). The prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection was higher among sheep originating from Beshilo Kebele (62.5%); however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The difference in prevalences for age, sex and origin was found insignificant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study concluded that, body condition was the most important factor where-as age, sex and origins of sheep were found less important factors higher prevalence ovine haemoncosis in this study. Therefore effective strategic treatment like seasonal deworming approach and public awareness creation should be instituted in the study area.