Study on Major Parasitic Problems of Rural Cattle in and Around Ambo, Western Oromia, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in and around Ambo, West Shoa zone of Oromia regional state, from November 2007 to April 2008 with the aim of determining the prevalence of major parasitic problems and identification of those parasites parasitizing rural cattle of the area. Fecal examination was performed using qualitative techniques (Flotation and sedimentation) on 352 cattle and simultaneously skin scrapings and blood smears were prepared for examination of suspected cases of ecto parasites and haemoparasites respectively. Accordingly, 49 % over all prevalence ofendo parasites was registered. The endoparasites identified were Fasciola hepatica (23%), Toxocara vetulorum (9.66%), Paraphistomum cervi (9.38%), Strongyle spp (4.83%), Monezia benedeni (0.85%). 0.57% prevalence of Babesia bovis was also recorded. The over all prevalence of ectoparasites was found to be 24%. The common ectoparasites identified were Linognathus (1.14%), Psoroptes bovis (1.4%), Sarcoptes scabiei (0.57%), Amblyomma variegatum (5.40%), Hyalomma truncatum (1.14%) and Boophilus decoloratus (3.4%). Statistically, significant variation(P< 0.001) was observed in the prevalence of Toxocara vetulorum among the age groups of the study animals. These findings suggest the importance of parasitic problems in rural cattle of Ambo and its surrounding which require serious attention by concerned bodies tominimize and control the effects of those parasites on the general health status, productivity and reproductive potential of cattle