Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted in and around Kemissie, Dawa Cheffa District to estimate the prevalence and identify possible risk factors for the disease in the study area. Animal identification based on age, sex, breed and body condition score and management system of the study animals were taken into account followed by coprological examination for the presence of the developmental stages of parasites or parasite in naturally infected cattle. For this purpose, four hundred and five randomly selected animals were examined during the study period out of which 75 (18.5%) were found positive for schistosomiasis based on fecal examination. Variation together with age and sex of animals did not show statistical significance (P>0.05) in the disease occurrence. However, the prevalence of the disease was highest in young animals (23.14%), followed by adults (17.61%) and least in old animals (15.49%). On the other hand, statistical significant association (P<0.05) was seen with the variation of breeds, body condition score and management systems in the disease occurrence. In conclusion, relatively moderate prevalence (18.5%) was recorded in and around Kemissie and based on the results obtained, recommendations were forwarded.

Key words: Cattle, coproscopy, Kemissie, prevalence, Schistosomiasis.