Study on Major Cattle Ectoparasites in and Around Adama, Central Ethiopia

Ectoparasites (ticks, lice and mange mites) are frequently reported in Ethiopia. These ectoparasites are one of the major diseases of cattle causing serious economic loss to the farmers, the tanning industry and the country as a whole. A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2017 to April 2018, to estimate prevalence of ectoparasite of cattle in and around Adama town. Four-hundred twenty one cattle were randomly sampled in Adama veterinary clinic and at pasture in surrounding kebeles. The overall prevalence of ectoparasites were 36.3% (95% confidence interval, 31.72-41.14), where the cattle were infested with the major ectoparasites like ticks, lice and mite. Ticks, lice and mite were detected with prevalence of 33.9%, 1.9% and 0.5% on cattle respectively. Three genera of ticks (Amblyomma 20.97%, Hyalomma 25.87% and Rhipicephalus 43.35%), two genera of lice (Linognathus 62.50% and Damalinia 37.50%) and two genera of mite (Sarcoptes 50.00% and Demodex 50.00%) were identified. This study revealed ectoparasite infestation is insignificantly associated (p >0.05) with origin and sex. The parasites distribution was significantly associated (p<0.05) with age, breed and body condition. It is concluded that ectoparasites are very important in the study area, which could inhibit the production of cattle. Hence, appropriate acaridae should be used to increase the output of the animals. Keywords: Adama, cattle, ectoparasites, prevalenc