Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guna district, Arsi zone, South East Ethiopia, from November, 2013 to March, 2014 to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors and identification of species of ovine lungworm by using coproscopic examination and questionnaire survey. A total 384 faecal samples from randomly selected sheep of different age groups, body conditions, sexes and PAs with various altitudes. The finding indicated that 217 (56.5%) were infected with different species of lungworm, namely, Dictyocaulus filaria (28.4%), Muellerius capillaries (10.7%), Protostrongylus rufescens (7.6%), and mixed infection (9.9%). There were statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in the prevalence of lungworm infection with regard to age (≤1 year 62.0% and >1 year 51.0%) and PAs (Cire Anole 78.1%, Nano Hecho 52.1% and Re’e Amba 39.1%); however, sexes (female 59.9% and male 53.1%) and body conditions (poor 60.9%, medium 57.0%, and good 51.6%) were insignificant (p>0.05). Parallely, questionnaire surveys on history of antihelmintic usage, manifestation of respiratory signs, and place where animal kept were undertaken on the same animals that were sampled for coproscopic examination. Accordingly, the prevalence of lungworm infection with antihelmintic usage (none dewormed 67.5% and dewormed 44.6%), manifestation of respiratory sign (No 44.1% and yes 68.2%), and place where animal kept (forest area 38.1% and swampy 67.9%) and statistically all considered factors for questionnaire survey are highly significant (p=0.000). As conclusion, our work revealed that lungworm belongs to the major respiratory helminthes that affect the health and productivity of sheep in the study area; therefore, attention should be given for the control and prevention to reduce the current high prevalence.

Key words: Arsi, Ethiopia, Guna, lungworm, ovine, prevalence.