Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Calf Coccidiosis in and around Asela Town, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with clinical coccidiosis in calves from November 2013 up to March 2014 in and around Asela town. Faecal samples from a total of 384 calves with the age of under 1year old were subjected to coprological investigation. Based on the coprological investigation the overall prevalence of coccidiosis was 240 (62.5%). The prevalence of eimerial infection was higher in female calves than male calves (P>0.05). The present study showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of coccidiosis among the three husbandry systems of calves with the highest prevalence in semi-intensive system (71.7%). There was significant variation (P<0.05) between calf breeds and infection by eimerias. The highest prevalence of coccidial infection was recorded in calves with poor hygienic condition (80.6%) than in good hygienic status (20.9%) (P<0.05). Seasonal prevalence of coccidiosis showed that there was a significant variation (P<0.05) in eimerial infection of calves and season. The present study has demonstrated that bovine coccidia are one of the most important pathogens in calves in the study area. Value of feeding in troughs, cementing floor of barns in reducing the extent of infection should be communicated to owners. Appropriate monitoring and control of the disease is also advisable in the study farms.

Keywords: Asela, Calves, Coccidiosis, Eimeria, Prevalence, Risk factors