Helminth Control Practices in Sheep and Cattle in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Adea District, Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction

Gastrointestinal helminth parasitism is an important problem of livestock in many places of the globe. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023 in urban and peri-urban areas of the Ada’a District with the objective of estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIHPs) in sheep and cattle and to assess the commercial anthelmintic utilization practices and associated risk factors in sheep and cattle. A total of 351 randomly selected fecal samples (192 cattle and 159 sheep) were collected from the rectum and examined using flotation and sedimentation. One hundred respondents were interviewed for questionnaire surveys on anthelmintic utilization practices.

Results and Discussion

The overall prevalence of GIHPs (61.25%) was recorded during the study. Among the animals, 55.21% and 68.55% prevalence of the infection was observed in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection between the study animal species, breeds, body condition of the animals, and production systems. However, there were no significant differences in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection (P > 0.05) according to sex and age of the animals. A higher prevalence of strongyle (55.34%), fasciola (13.48%), and moniezia eggs (10.69%) was recorded. According to a questionnaire survey, ivermectin was found to be the most used anthelmintic drug. This study addresses the challenge of anthelmintic resistance (AR) against currently available anthelmintics; highly prevalent parasitic infections are causing tremendous economic losses to the animal industry.

Keywords:

• nematode
• trematode
• cestode
• strongyle
• fasciola
• moniezia

Data Sharing Statement

The collection of data gathered and appraised during the study is not publicly available because of the confidentiality of the study participants, not distributed without the consent of the corresponding author, and is only available upon reasonable request.

Ethical Approval

The Ethics Committee of the Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture referenced from (Ref. VM/ERC/24/01/12/2022) was granted authoritative approval for the use of animals for fecal sample collection in the experimental procedures. However, approval was not mandatory for the questionnaire surveys. Informed consent was obtained from the participants or animal owners without harming the welfare of the animals.

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the Addis Ababa University College of Veterinary Medicine and Agriculture. We are also highly indebted to animal farm owners and sheep owners for allowing us to use their animals for sample collection, and to all volunteered individuals for their kindness to participate in this study.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.