Prevalence of Calves Coccidiosis and Its Associated Risk Factors in and Around Woldia Town of North Wollo Zone, Ethiopia - Abstract
A cross sectional study was carried out from December 2024 to April 2025 in and around Woldia town to determine the prevalence of calves Coccidiosis and to identify its associated risk factors. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 384 randomly selected calves with the age of up to one year. Detailed information of the age, sex, breed, management system, body condition and origin of animals were taken in consideration. The Collected fecal samples were examined for the presence of Eimeria oocyst through floatation technique by using sodium chloride salt solution. The present study revealed that out of 384 calves, 99 (25.78 %) were found to be positive for Eimeria oocyst. Analysis of associated risk factors showed that there was statistically significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of coccidia infection to the age groups of animals, body condition and management system. This means age, body condition and management system were the major risk factors for the prevalence of calves coccidiosis in and around Woldia town. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05) between coccidia infection within sex, breed, and origin of calves. In conclusion, calves coccidiosis required a serious attention for control and prevention programs as well as further epidemiological investigation in different season of the year should be carried out to observe the effect of season on prevalence of the disease and other risk/stress factors in the study area.