Abstract

This study was conducted in Debre Berhan Agricultural Research Center (DBARC) to estimate the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis, and to assess the associated risk factors for the disease. Sedimentation technique was employed to detect fasciola eggs during the study period. A total of 121 faecal samples were examined, in which 85(70.2%) were found to be positive for fasciolosis. Breed wise study was conducted and 57.6%, 35.3%, and 7.1% prevalence’s were recorded for Local, Cross and Exotic sheep breeds, respectively. The difference in the prevalence of the disease among breeds was statistically significant (X2=32.277; df=2; p=0.000). The prevalence of ovine fasciolosis within each breed were 83.33%, 87.5%, 23.92%, 24%, and 66.67% in Menze, Local X Awasi, Local X Dorper, pure Dorper and Washera, respectively. From local sheep, the prevalence was high in Menz (83.33%) compared to Washera (66.67%). Out of cross breed sheep, the prevalence was higher in Local X Awasi (87.5%) when compared to Local X Dorper (23.92%). The lowest prevalence (24%) was recorded in Exotic breed (Dorper). In general, the study indicated that ovine fasciolosis was widely distributed with high prevalence in the study area. At the end, we recommended that appropriate control strategies should be implemented to reduce the impact of fasciolosis on sheep production in the study area.

Keywords: Debre Berhan agricultural research center; Fasciolosis; Ovine; Prevalence; Sedimentation