Zera Assefa Skibba
A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2013 to July 2014 with the objectives to determine the prevalence of ectoparasite of sheep in the Tiyo and Diksis districts, determine the effectiveness of control program against sheep ectoparasites in the study area and major risk factors associated with effectiveness of control program. A total of 646 sheep (323 from each districts) were examined for the presence of ectoparasites. From the total sheep examined, 371 (57.43%) were infested with one or more ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified were lice 49.23%, sheep keds 7.4%, tick 9.75% and mixed infestation 8.98%. Favorable climatic conditions, poor husbandry and animal management, lack of awareness by the farmers, and weak animal health extension services are believed to have contributed for widespread distribution and occurrences of ectoparasites. Even if control campaign is practiced in the study areas, higher prevalence of sheep ectoparasite was recorded. The growing threat of ectoparasites to small ruminant production and the tanning industry needs wellcoordinated, appropriate and urgent control intervention.
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