Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports (Jan 2023)
Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle in and Around Hosanna Town, Southern Ethiopia
Abstract
Dembelo Tiele,1 Ephrem Sebro,2 Deginet H/Meskel,3 Mesfin Mathewos4 1Department of Veterinary Epidemiology, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Southern Region, Ethiopia; 2Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Southern Region, Ethiopia; 3Department of Animal Science, Wachemo University, Hosanna, Southern Region, Ethiopia; 4Department of Veterinary Pathology, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Southern Region, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mesfin Mathewos, Wolaita Sodo University, School of Veterinary Medicine, P. O. Box 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia, Email [email protected]: Gastrointestinal parasites are ubiquitous parasitic agents of cattle all over the world, and cause both clinical and subclinical parasitism that results in significant financial losses. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the risk variables related to gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in cattle in Hossana town and the nearby area.Methods: On a total of 400 faecal samples, a cross-sectional investigation with a random sampling technique was carried out utilizing a coprologic parasitological examination.Results: Two hundred and sixty-nine (67.2%) of the 400 faecal samples analyzed had one or more gastrointestinal parasites. Of this, 163 (40.75%) cattle had two or more parasites while a single infection was recorded in 106 (26.5%) cattle. Mixed infection of Strongyle+Fasciola (14%) was found a higher prevalence followed by Strongyle+Paramphistomum (7.75%) as compared to other GIT parasite combination. Major classes of parasites recorded include Trematodes, Nematodes, Cestodes, and Protozoa. The major parasites observed were Strongyle type (18.25%), Paramphistomum (9.5%), Fasciola (8.25%), Toxocara (3.25%) and Eimeria (2.75%). Strongyle type eggs were the most predominant type of eggs identified while Trichuris (2.25%) and Moniezia (1.5%) were observed to have relatively lowprevalence. There was a high relationship between risk factors such as age, body condition, and management system with the prevalence of GIT parasites.Conclusion: The high frequency of GIT parasite infection in cattle in the research area necessitates the strategic deworming and effective management practices necessary for gastrointestinal parasite eradication.Keywords: cattle, coprology, epidemiology, gastrointestinal parasites, hossana
