Assessment of the Epidemiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract Nematode Parasites in Sheep in Toke Kutaye, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Gastrointestinal tract nematodes are considered to be the most significant and underestimated problems that hinder sheep productivity.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract nematode infestation of sheep in the Toke Kutaye District of West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal tract nematode parasite infestation in sheep. Faecal samples were collected from 384 sheep and subjected to coprological examination, including direct smear, flotation techniques, and Baermann techniques for screening and identifying gastrointestinal nematodes.

RESULTS: The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal tract nematode parasite infestation in sheep in the study area was 284 (73.96%). From the total positive cases, males and females were 97 (82.91%) and 187 (70.04%), respectively. The predominantly detected gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep in the study area were Trichostrongylus 111 (28.91%), Oestartagia 55 (14.32%), Haemonchus 42 (10.94%), Oesophagostomum 48 (12.50%), and Trichuris 23 (5.99%). Mixed nematode eggs were noticed in some of the sheep beside the single type of nematode eggs, with a prevalence of 85 (22.14%). The relationship in the occurrence of parasites between sex, age groups, body conditions, and seasons was statistically significant (P = 0.008, P = 0.014, P = 0.001 and P = 0.003), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The present study is of great importance to add to the existing knowledge of the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep, and the findings are very important to apply the proper control and prevention strategies for gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep in the area.