Ectoparasite infestations of sheep and goats

Abstract

Aim: To determine the prevalence and type of ectoparasites fauna in small ruminants in Western Shoa Zone, Central Ethiopia. Materials and Methods: Physical examination and laboratory investigations were employed in the 434 small ruminants (307 sheep, 127 goats). Results: The overall prevalence of ectoparasite was 34.1% (148/434) accounting for 135 (43.9%) in sheep and 13 (10.2%) in goats. The difference in prevalence between the two species was statistically significant (p Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a high prevalence and diverse ectoparasite fauna; hence a serious attention is warranted in the study area.

Keywords

• ectoparasites
• prevalence
• small ruminants