Ectoparasites of Sheep and Goats in North-West Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study on ectoparasites of sheep (n=738) and goats (n=492) was conducted in Northwestern Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia from October 2009 to April 2010 to determine the prevalence of major ectoparasites of sheep and goats and the associated risk factors. Out of the clinically examined animals, 331(44.9%) sheep and 214 (43.5%) goats were infested with one or more ectoparasites. Ectoparasites identified in sheep were Damalinia ovis (30.9%), Mellophagus ovinus (10.8%), ticks (3.9%), Linognathus species (3.1%) and flea (1.1%). Among goats, Linognathus species, ticks, flea and demodectic mange were identified with respective prevalence of 27%, 17.7%, 2.6% and 2.2%. Sheep in midland were 3.7 and 2.3 times more at risk for Damalinia ovis infestation than sheep in highland and lowland, respectively and also goats in midland were 1.8 times at risk for Linognathus species than lowland sheep (P < 0.05). Sheep poor in body condition were 1.9 times more at risk for Damalinia ovis than good body condition sheep and goats poor in body condition were 3.5 times more at risk for Linognathus species than good body condition goats (P< 0.05). Age and wool length of sheep were important predictors for the presences of Mellophagus ovinus on highland sheep. The prevalence of Mellophagus ovinus was significantly higher in young and long wool sheep than in adult and short wool sheep (P < 0.05). The observed overall prevalence is generally high which may result in enormous economic losses through decreased production and productivity, damages to the skin and deaths of the animal which requires an immediate attention and professional intervention.Key words: Ectoparasites, Ethiopia, Goat, Prevalence, Risk factors, Sheep