Study on the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Haemonchus Contortus Infection in Small Ruminants in Mitto District, Silte Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Abstract

Abstract Background This study will provide helpful information about status of H. contortus and essential risk factors in small ruminants. Thus, the study would contribute to design prevention and control of Haemonchosis in small ruminants and enhance awareness to the community. Moreover, veterinarians and other researcher will be benefited by getting such research information. The regional and national disease controllers can use these study findings in their policy making and planning activities during disease control programs. Results The present study revealed that the overall prevalence of H. contortus in small ruminants was 46.1%, which indicated a high prevalence of the parasite in the study area. Of the examined animals, 52.1% sheep and 33.1% goats were found positive showing a statistically significant difference in prevalence (P < 0.05). Similarly the prevalence of H. contortus between sexes and age groups showed significant difference (P < 0.05) 51.4% in females and 36.3% in males, between age 6 % in young and 35.5% in adult and 44.1% in old respectively. Meanwhile statically significant variation was recorded of the prevalence among the categories of BC, poor 81.6%, medium 33.3% and 16.3% good. Moreover, the prevalence of H. contortus showed significant variation (p < 0.05) among the kebeles of the study areas Seso 57.3%, Adeneba 52.1%, G/gogilo 40.6%, and G/shefode 34.4%. Conclusions In this study revealed that Haemonchosis is a prevalent gastrointestinal parasite of small ruminants in the study areas. Therefore, due to its important health problem and impact on production in the study area, emphasis should be given to the control and prevention of H. contortus infection with further studies on species identification and larval ecology.