Prevalence and Distribution of Camel Ticks in Gola Oda woreda, East Hararghe Zone Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Authors: Abrahim A*, Chala A, Ahmadin M and Wazir M

DOI: 10.23880/oajvsr-16000270

Volume 9, Issue 2

Abstract

The study was carried out in the Gola Oda woreda, situated in the eastern Hararghe zone of the Oromia regional state in Ethiopia, spanning from April 2023 to October 2023. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of tick infestation and identify the specific tick genera affecting camels. The investigation covered four Peasant Associations (PAs) – Gara Gafa, Cophi Mi’awa, Bareeda Lenca, and Burqa. Adult ticks were gathered from various regions of the camels’ bodies. Out of the 384 camels examined, a comprehensive tick infestation prevalence of 76.8% was noted in the study area. Specifically, 50 camels from Burqa, 76 from Bareeda Lenca, 74 from Cophi Mi’awa, and 95 from Gara Gafa were infested with ticks, with prevalence rates of 75.8%, 70.4%, 82.2%, and 79.2% respectively. A total of 3145 adult tick genera were collected and identified using direct stereo microscopy, including Rhipicephalus, Amblyomma, Hyalomma, and Boophilus. The sole statistically significant difference observed was in the body condition of the camels (p<0.05), while no significant difference was found in tick infestation between the origins of the camels (p>0.05). The high prevalence of tick infestation in the study areas may be attributed to poor management practices, favorable climates, lack of awareness among farmers, and inadequate veterinary health extension services. Consequently, immediate prevention and control strategies are imperative in these regions.

Keywords: Camel; Genera; Gola Oda; Prevalence; Tick

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