in 12 kebeles (the smallest administrative unit of Ethiopia) of Kombolcha, Southern Wollo Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. The aims of the study were to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) of Kombolcha's community toward rabies and associated risk factors. A cross-sectional study design and multistage sampling procedures were employed to select households for the study. Kebeles were randomly selected using lottery method from list of kebeles in the study area, followed by selection of households from each kebele by systematic random sampling. Data were collected from 384 households through face to face interview using pre-tested and well-structured questionnaires. Socio-demographically, out of the 384 respondents interviewed, 223 (58.1%) were males and 161 (41.9%) were females. From 384 respondents, 345 (89.8%) had heard about rabies before and the majority of the study participants, 329 (85.7%) had good level of KAP. There were statistically significant associations (p<0.05) between KAP scores and age, house hold size, educational status, and occupation. In conclusion, the study revealed that, Kombolcha's community has good knowledge, attitude and practice toward rabies. However, there are some inconsistencies on mode of transmission, symptoms, appropriate prevention and treatment measures. Therefore, continuous and strategic health programs are expected from health professionals, governmental and non-governmental organizations to control and prevent the disease and secure rabies free zone.

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Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease caused by either Fasciola hepatica or Faciola gigantica. These parasitic infections are of global significance causing diseases in different mammalian species including humans. In this study, the prevalence and economic significance of Fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Gondar Elfora abattoirs was assessed. A total of 400 cattle were examined and 85 cattle (21.2%) were affected by fasciolosis. This findings indicated that, the prevalence of cattle fasiolosis is significantly affected by the age of the animals (P < 0.05), where young animals (27.7%) were more affected than the adult ones (17.1%). Body conditions disclosed a significant relation with Fasciola infection. Poor body conditioned animals showed the highest prevalence (30.8%) followed by medium (19.5%) and good body conditioned animals (17%). There were statistical significant differences between the different geographical locations. Highest prevalence of fasciolosis was exhibited in animals originated from Dembiya (50%) followed by Debarq (31.6%), Wogera (15%), Gondar zuria (13.5%), Belesa (12.9%), Dansha (11.9%) and Metema (4.7%). As recorded, due to cattle fasciolosis livers were condemned for human consumption. Thus, based on retail value of cattle liver, the direct economic loss from fasciolosis in Gondar Elfora abattoir was estimated to be 63,600 Ethiopian Birr (2316.948 USD) annually. In conclusion, cattle fasciolosis is one of the major parasitic diseases in the study area. Therefore appropriate control measures should be designed and implemented so as to reduce financial losses that may occur from organ condemnation and loss of animals from the disease.

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