Lungworm Infection in Extensively Managed Goats in Nyangatom District of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Abstract

One of the common parasitic diseases of goats is lungworm infection, which causes significant economic losses due to losses in production and productivity. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2023 to November 2024 to determine the lungworm infection prevalence and associated risk factors in goats in the study area. Fecal examinations were conducted using the Baermann technique on the 384 goats selected by a simple random sampling technique. An overall prevalence of 33.85% was recorded, and Dictyocaulus filaria was the only lungworm identified during the study period. A statistically significant difference was observed between the prevalence of lungworms in female (45.65%) and male (23%) goats (p < 0.05). A higher prevalence (42.63%) was observed in younger goats than the prevalence (25.87%) in older goats, and the difference between the prevalence was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Regarding the body condition score, the difference was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Non-dewormed goats were more prone to lungworm infection (41.24%) than dewormed goats (15.45%). Hence, lungworm infection is a considerable disease in the study area, and providing infrastructure for veterinary services was recommended.