Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate magnitude of small ruminant ectoparasite infestation in Sodo Zuria district from November, 2013 to March, 2014. Out of the total 758 small ruminants, 51.5% sheep and 48.9 % goats were found infected with ectoprasite infestation (p=0.471). Standard identification of 383 ectoprasite specimens demonstrated ticks (34.6%), lice (7.1%), fleas (6.1%) and mange mites (2.8%). Tick and flea infestation were predominant in sheep (p<0.01) whereas mange mite infestations was more common in goats (p < 0.01). The tick species observed, in order of importance, were Ripicephalus evertsi eversti, Amblyoma variegatum, Boophilus decoloratus, Amblyoma coherences and Ripicephalus pulchellus (exclusive to sheep). The flea species observed were Ctenocephalides felis and Ctenocephalides canis. Regarding mange mites, Sarcoptus scabie was more frequent and affected both sheep and goats whereas Demodex caprea was found only in goats. Among lice species identified, Linognatus ovilluis and Damalina ovis were higher in sheep whereas Linognatus stenopsis was more common in goats (p<0.05). Generally, female animals were affected by ectoparasites more frequently (56 %) than males (44.4%) (p=0.001). Small ruminants older than one year (53.8%) were affected more frequently than younger animals (45.8%) (p=0.029). Ectoparasite infestation was more frequent in animals with poor body condition (59%) than those having medium (41.9%) and good (43.6%) body condition (p=0.000). Small ruminant flocks in Sodo Zuria district were widely affected by ectoparasite infestation which leads to substantial morbidity. Effort to raise awareness of farm households and improve control services is recommended.

Key words: Goats, parasites, prevalence, sheep, Wolaita zone.