Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep at Yabello Town, Borena, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 384 black head sheep kept in and around Yabello from November 2016 to May 2017 to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematode and to assess the degree of infection. The association with risk factors such as- age, sex, treatment history, and body condition were also determined in the current study. Coprological methods including floatation technique and McMaster egg counting techniques were used for screening and counting the eggs of observed gastrointestinal (GIT) nematodes. Out of 384 fecal samples examined in the laboratory, an overall prevalence of 74.7% nematode infestation was recorded and it indicates 287 sheep harbors at least one genera of nematode out of 384 animals. The study revealed significant association (P < 0.05) within sex and the higher prevalence of nematodes in female animals was recorded compered to males and the higher prevalence of nematodes in untreated sheep than treated ones was recorded with significant association (P < 0.05) between the groups. The prevalence of nematodes had no significant association with other risk factors (body condition and age). The proportion of the study animals infected mildly, moderately and severely were (76.7%), (16.0%) and (7.3%) respectively. The majority of examined animal on average had the egg per gram of feces (EPG) less than 800. In conclusion, the study revealed that GIT nematodes were major parasitic infections of black head sheep in the study area. Therefore, effective strategic treatment and public awareness creation should be instituted in the study area.