Prevalence Study of Sheep Lice and Species Composition in Tiyo District of Arsi Zone

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the prevalence of lice on sheep from October 2012 to March 2013 in three selected PAs of Tiyo District of East Arsi Zone. A cross-sectional study of sheep lice was used as subject of the study. Accordingly, 300 sheep were randomly examined to identify the species of sheep lice and record was made. In this study, two species of lice which grouped under two genera were identified. The study revealed that Damalinia ovis was the dominant lice followed by Linognathus ovillus with prevalence of 73.34%, 0.01% respectively and an overall prevalence of 83. 34% in 300 examined sheep was recorded. The difference in the prevalence of lice infestation between sex, age and body condition was found to be statistically non significant (p>0.05%). Statistically significant difference (χ²=29.389%, p=0.000) was observed between each PAs; Gorasilingo (96.8%), Konicha (73.6%) and Dosha (71.8%). Favorable climatic conditions, backward level of management, poor level of consciousness and awareness of farmers and weak animal health extension services are believed to have contributed for widespread distribution and occurrence of lice. Attention should be given to the control and prevention of lice, since they cause severe damage to the skins of sheep and thereby reduce the foreign exchange of the country.

Keywords: Lice, prevalence, sheep, Tiyo district, south East Ethiopia.