PREVALENCE OF COCCIDIOSIS IN SHEEP AT ADIS ZEMEN DISTRICT

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