Abstract:
ABSTRACT
Across-sectional study was conducted at Addis-Zemen district from November 2014 to April 2015
with the objective of estimate the prevalence and associated risk factors of coccidiosis in sheep.
Fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of animals using gloved and moistened hand.
Detailed information on the origin, age, sex, breed, production system, hygienic status, body
condition and fecal consistency were obtained. Centrifugal and simple fecal flotation technique
using salt solution was used to detect coccidia oocyst. Faecal samples were collected from a total of
384 sheep for the detection of coccidian oocysts. From the total sheep included only 88 were
demonstrated for the presence of coccidian infection. Coccidian oocyst was detected in sheep from
lamp, young and adult animals but greater prevalence was observed in lamps. Statistically
significant association was observed(p<0.05) between coccidia infection and fecal consistency, age,
production system, hygienic status and body condition of animals but there was no statistically
significant association between origin, sex, and feeding type of animals. Based on this study
coccidia infection has a great significance for the sheep producers which needs effective control and
prevention program.Coccidiosis is likely to become more important diseases of small ruminants in
this district in future as the increasing scarcity of land for grazing is forcing people to adopt more
intensive management systems.
Kew words: Adiszemen, Simple and Centrifugal Fecal Floatation, Coccidiosis, Oocyst, Prevalence
