Study On the Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Camel Gastro-Intestinal Parasites in Southern Ethiopia - Abstract
The study designed to determine the prevalence of Gastrointestinal parasites (GIT) parasites and factors associated with occurrence of GIT parasitic infection in indigenous camels managed traditionally. A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2018 to May 2019 in Southern Ethiopia. Fecal samples were collected and transported to Yabello Regional Veterinary Laboratory. The feces examined by simple floatation and sedimentation technique to screen the presence of GIT parasite eggs in the feces. Nematodes, Trematodes, Cestodes eggs and Protozoan oocysts were found in fecal samples. Out of the 250 samples, 188 (75.2%) were found to harbor different GIT parasites. Result showed that 67.2% of eggs identified were those of Trichostrongylus followed by Strongyle species (60.45%), Strongloides (25.2%) Nematodirus (8.4%) and Tricuris (7.2%) and Trematodes (Paraphystomum 13.2%) Ceastodes (monezia 5.6%) and Protozoan oocysts (coccidiosis) 9.2%). There was statistically significant difference in the prevalence of GIT parasites between age groups (p=0.000, p<0.05). This study revealed that gastrointestinal (GIT) parasites are a major problem of camels in study area. Therefore, more emphasis should be given to appropriate prevention and control options based on detailed epidemiological study, the environment condition and seasons.