The Prevalence of Lungworms in Naturally Infected Sheep of Ambo District, Oromia, Ethiopia

2 Abstract: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Ambo district, West Shewa Zone, from November, 2009 to March, 2010 with the aim of determining the prevalence and identification of species of lungworm infection in sheep. Coprological examination was conducted on 384 sheep, kept under extensive management systems. Of these animals, 134 were found to be positive for lungworm infection with an overall prevalence of 34.90% (95%CI = 30.13-39.90). The prevalence of species of lungworm in infected sheep were Dictyocaulus filaria (17.4 %), Protostrongylus rufescens (7.3%), Muellerius capillaris (3.9%) and 6.3% of mixed infection. There was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05) observed in infection rates between the study sites. There was a statistically significant difference (X = 4.58; df = 1, P=0.032) observed between male and female animals with 2 prevalence of 28.83% and 39.37%, respectively. Analysis on the basis of age of the animals indicated that there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) observed between young and adult (X =8.74, df = 1, P =0.003) 2 with the prevalence of 43.59 % and 28.95%, respectively. Animals with poor body condition were highly infected with significant difference (P<0.05) than moderate and good body condition(X =29.34, df = 2, P=0.000). 2 There was also highly significant difference (P<0.05) between animals that have manifested clinical respiratory signs and that do not manifest with the prevalence of 57.94% and 25.99%, respectively. Dictyocaulus filaria was also found to be the dominant lungworm species. Due to its impact on production, emphasis should be given for the control and prevalence of lungworm infections.