Abstract

A cross sectional study design was used to determine the prevalence and species spectrum of major gastrointestinal parasites affecting camels; and to find out risk factors associated with this parasitic infestation in Yabello district, southern rangelands of Ethiopia. A total of 412 camels of all age and sex were examined between August, 2011 and March, 2012. Collected faecal samples were processed by standard floatation methods and then examined for helminth eggs. Coprological examination revealed that 73.8% (n=304) of the camels excreted helminth eggs/protozoan oocyst in their faeces. Six types of helminth/protozoan parasites eggs/oocyst encountered in descending order of prevalence were, Strongylus species 55.59%, Strongyloides species 13.82%, Trichostrongylus species 10.19%, Monezia species 6.91%, Coccidia and Trichuris species each encountered 1.32%. Single and concurrent infections with two or more parasites were recorded in 89.15% and 10.85% of the cases, respectively. Except for age and treatment factors significantly affected (P<0.05) the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infections, all the other factors like origin, sex, body condition score and health status have shown no significant effect on parasitic infestation. The high prevalence and wide spectrum observed in the present study suggests that helminth infection are widespread and may be a constraint to economic camel production, and there is need to institute control measures.

Key words: Camels, gastrointestinal parasites, prevalence, risk factors, Yabello.