Prevalence of Mange Mite Infestation on Cattle in South Achefer District, Northwest Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted in South Achefer district from November 2014 to April 2015, to determine the prevalence of mange mite and associated risk factors on cattle. Out of 384 cattle examined, 41 (10.7%) were found positive. There was statistically significant variations between sex, body condition categories and sites of lesions in mange infestation; There was no statistically significant variation between age and origin of the animals. Mange infestation was found higher in poor body conditioned local breed (10.1%), adults (6.4%), females (8%) and in extensive management system (10.1%). The most preferable site of lesions was shoulder (7.9%) while head and body was the lowest (0.3%). Three genera of mange mites Demodex 25 (6.5%), Psoroptes 10 (2.6%)andSarcoptes6 (1.6%) were identified in the study area. In conclusion, the prevalence recorded in this study was found high in the study area. Therefore, measures must be taken on management system, veterinary service and awareness creation to the cattle owners about the disease to prevent further infestation.