Small ruminant lungworms: Parasite detection, identification and prevalence estimation in three districts of South Wollo, Ethiopia

The prevalence, species, age, sex and seasonal variation of lungworm infection in small ruminants were studied using Coproscopic and Postmortem examinations in Three districts of South Wollo: Kombolcha, Dessie and Kalu. Faecal samples were collected from 586 sheep and goats of all age groups (below 6 months, 6 months to 2 years, 2 to4 years and above 4 years) and both sexes. Modified Baermann technique was used for extraction of L1 larvae from the faeces. Post-mortem examination had also been done on 98 animals in Dessie abattoir during the study period. An overall prevalence of 31.2% and 7.1% were detected by faecal and post-mortem examinations, respectively. Significant difference (p<0.05) was found between areas of different altitude with an infection rate of 47.5%, 35.5% and 28.5% in Dessie, Kombolcha and Kalu respectively. Factors such as age, species of parasite, season and origin of animals showed significant differences (p<0.05) on the prevalence of small ruminant lungworm infection. However, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) observed among sex, species, management system and body condition score of animals. Due to its impact on production, emphasis should be given for the control and prevention of lungworm infection in the areas.