Injuries are the Predominant Cause of Deviation in the Health of Working Equines in and Around Gondar Town, North West Ethiopia External

A total of 404 working equines 205 horses, 148 donkeys and 51 mules were the study subjects to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors for the occurrence of external injuries (wound) in equines in Gondar town, Maksegnet and Chilga districts of North Gondar Zone. The study revealed an overall prevalence of 50.7% external injuries. Species difference was highly significant (χ2 = 9.3, P < 0.05%). Higher prevalence was recorded in horses (58%) than that of mules (47.1%) and donkeys (41.9%). Age was statistically significant (χ2= 29.7, p<0.05) and higher prevalence was noticed in animals over 15 years of age (85.5%) than that of the others age groups [11-15] (57.7%), [6-10] (49.8%) and in ≤5 (3.8%).Type of service was found statistically significant (χ2= 6.5, p<0.05) in equines used for transportation of load (55.1%) than those used for transportation of people (41.5%). Harnessing material affect significantly for the occurrence of injuries (χ2=17.08, p<0.05). Plastic harnessing materials were found causing more injury (60%) than those used leather (39.1%). Injuries were found more severe in mules (79.2%) than in horse (65.5%) and donkeys (59.7%). Injuries caused by improper harnessing were more prevalent in horses (58.8%) than mules (50%) and donkeys (35.5%). The proportion on the distribution of injuries on body parts was higher on the back (33.2%) than in other body parts. This study showed that external injuries were the major health problem of working equines in and around Gondar town. Hence comprehensive equine health and welfare promotion program is crucial to lessen the problem.