Abstract:
A cross sectional study was conducted from December 2016 to April 2017 to determine the prevalence of mange mites infestation in small ruminants (sheep and goats) and identify the potential risk factors and major species of mites in selected three agro-ecological zones of Wag-Himra zone, Ethiopia. In addition, a questionnaire survey was conducted to assess the awareness and control practices by livestock owners on mange mite’s infestation in the study areas. Simple random sampling technique was used, to select study animals from the flock of small ruminants. From a total of 384 sheep (n=120) and goats (n=264), skin scraps were collected. From the total collected samples 105 (27.33%) were positive for mange mites infestation. Sarcoptes scabiei (S. scabiei) was the only mange mite species identified. The prevalence of S. scabiei among species was 33.3 % (n=40) in sheep and 24.6% (n=65) in goats. The current finding revealed that species, age, did not show statistical significant (P>0.05) association in prevalence of S.scabiei infestation. On the other hand, the prevalence of S. scabiei infestation on small ruminants was statistically significant (P<0.031) in the three agro-ecological zones. The pathological lesions caused by S. scabiei were observed on the face, head, ear and tail regions and crusts formation and loss of hair. There was no statistical significant deference (p>0.05) in the prevalence of S.scabiei infestation between female and male, poor body conditioned in both host species in the study animals. The result of the questionnaire survey indicated that Shoats were the main species of animals owned by the farmers and mange was known to be considered as an important disease by small ruminant holders. From the interviewed livestock holders, 132(86.27%) respondents explained that they use modern acaricides for the treatment of mange. In addition, 149(97.38) respondents were participated on control program for mange mite infestation launched by the government. In conclusion, this study demonstrated high prevalence of S. scabiei in sheep and goats of the study area, and revealed that Sarcoptes to be the only mite in both sheep and goats, hence requires immediate attention and control interventions.
