Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Major Prevalent Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Camels of Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia - Abstract
Gastrointestinal nematodes are one of the most important parasites diseases of the camel in camel producing areas. It causes substantial economic losses in terms of a decrease in working capacity, growth and productivity to owners and serious diseases in animals. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and to identify associated risk factors of nematode infection of camels in the study area. A cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2018 to April 2019. The age, sex, body condition, management and herd size of the camels were registered properly as risk factors while collecting fecal samples. Collected fecal samples were labeled properly and transported to Yabello Regional Veterinary Laboratory in the icebox. Samples examined in the laboratory using flotation techniques. From 384 fecal samples 75.0% (288/384) samples were found positive to gastrointestinal nematodes. Coprological investigation revealed that camels in the study area were infested with varieties of nematode parasites. Strongyles were the most prevalent nematode parasites identified with 47.9% prevalence followed by Strongloides species 21.6%, mixed infection 3.2% and Trichuris 2.3 per cent. Age
and body condition showed significant association (p<0.05) while sex and herd size had no significance (p>0.05) with the prevalence of nematodes. Overall, the high prevalence of nematode parasites was observed in the study area, which implies nematodes are major constraints of the production and productivity of camels. Therefore, teaching and awareness creation on management and de-worming of camels should be implemented based on to prevention and control of the disease.