A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2008 to March 2009 to assess the status of cystic hydatidosis in cattle slaughtered at Hawassa Municipal abattoir. Out of the total 632 cattle examined visually and manually (palpation and incision), 333 (52.69%) were found harboring hydatid cysts. A significantly higher infection was detected in older cattle (P < 0.05, chi(2) = 4.36) than young. Regarding body condition score, no significant variation (P > 0.05, chi(2) = 2.148) was observed as the prevalence was 54.55% for lean cattle followed by medium (53.83%) and fat (46.88%). Of the total 333 infected, 123 (36.9%) had hydatid cysts only in the lung, 23 (6.9%) in the liver, 12 (3.6%) in the spleen, five (1.5%) in the heart, and three (0.9%) in the kidney while the rest 167 (50.2%) had multiple organ infections. Of the 530 viscera harboring hydatid cysts, the highest (52.83%) was lung followed by liver (34.15%), spleen (9.06%), heart (3.39%), and kidney (0.56%). Size assessment made on 874 cysts indicated that 308 (35.3%) were small, 251 (28.7%) medium, 89 (10.2%) large, and 226 (25.9%) were calcified. The distribution of characterized cysts in different organs based on their size was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.05). In addition, out of the total 874 cysts collected, 26.9% were fertile, 47.3% sterile, and 25.9% calcified or purulent cysts. There was a significant difference in fertility of cyst from different organs (P < 0.05, chi(2) = 27.96), those of lung origin being highly fertile. Likewise, out of the 121 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 68 (56.2%) were viable. Considering the current result, the total annual economic loss from organ condemnation and carcass weight loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Hawassa Municipal abattoir was estimated at 1,791,625.89 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 1USD = 12.93ETB). Results in the study were discussed in light of the situation in different parts of Ethiopia and abroad, and finally, relevant recommendations were forwarded.

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A survey aimed at determining the status of ticks in cattle, sheep and goats in Bedelle district (Southwestern Ethiopia) was carried out from November 2007 to April 2008. Out of the total 330 animals examined, 314 (95.2%) were found to be infested (harbouring of at least a single tick). High rates of infestations were recorded across all three host species. Factors like month of collection, age and sex of host species did not show significant association with infestation rates. A total of 5,507 ticks belonging to three genera (i.e. Amblyomma, Boophilus and Rhipicephalus) were collected during the study period of which six species were identified. The species of ticks encountered comprise of Amblyomma cohaerens (44.1%), Amblyomma variegatum (13.8%), Amblyomma lepidum (1.2%), Boophilus decoloratus (24.9%), Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (14.3%) and Rhipicephalus lunulatus (1.7%). As about 86.7% (4,772) of the ticks were collected from cattle, it was recognised that this could be an evidence of host preference where cattle are serving as principal host while sheep and goats serve as alternative hosts. The role of ecological factors and little attention paid by livestock owners for treatment of animals against ticks are suggested to result in the abundance of ticks. Acaricide spraying should be strategically applied to control ticks. Better result could be achieved if an emphasis is being put on spraying cattle. Studies on tick-borne diseases, involvement of wildlife species as well as related factors are recommended as they may provide a valuable basis for designing and launching an all-round control programme in the country.

A cross-sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and cyst characteristics and estimating the financial loss due to cystic echinococcosis (hydatidosis) in cattle slaughtered at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir was conducted from November 2009 to April 2010. Out of 546 cattle examined, 92 (16.85%) were found to harbor visible hydatid cysts. Significantly higher infection was detected in local (P < 0.05) than crossbred cattle. No significant variation was observed with regard to origin, sex, and body condition status of animals. Regarding organ distribution, infections of the lung, liver, spleen, and kidney were 57.78%, 35.46%, 8.75%, and 4.01%, respectively. Of the total 1,097 hydatid cysts counted, 952 (86.78%), 136 (12.4%), and eight (0.82%) were found to be small-sized, medium-sized, and large-sized, respectively. Likewise, out of 450 cysts assessed, 138 (30.67%) were fertile, 241 (53.56%) sterile, and 71 (15.78%) calcified. Of the 138 fertile cysts subjected for viability test, 13 (9.42%) were viable while 125 (90.57%) were nonviable. Moreover, assessment of annual economic loss due to bovine hydatidosis at Wolayita Sodo municipal abattoir from offal condemnation and carcass weight loss was estimated at 410,755.90 Ethiopian Birr (ETB; 30,202.64 US$; 1 US$ = 13.60 ETB). Despite the moderate magnitude of infection detected currently, there seems to be an existing socioeconomic situation favorable for hydatidosis, and hence, it remains one of the most important diseases warranting serious attention for prevention and control actions in Wolayita zone. Hence, establishment of well-equipped standardized abattoirs, creation of public awareness, and control of stray dogs are of paramount importance.

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Caprine brucellosis in Ethiopia is less commonly reported with limited information on the disease status in the country. The objective of this study was therefore to highlight the status of goat brucellosis in three distinctly different livestock production systems of southern and central Ethiopia. A total 3,315 goats of different age and sex, living with other animals in variable flock size, were sampled from 448 flocks raised in sedentary, pastoral and agro-pastoral production systems. Goats were bled aseptically and sera were collected for serial testing using Rose Bengal Plate Test as screening test and subsequently complement fixation test as confirmatory test. Questionnaire and laboratory data were analysed for descriptive, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis both at individual and flock level (STATA 11). The study revealed an overall animal level seroprevalence of 1.9 % (95 % CI 1.5, 2.4). In sedentary production system, the observed seroprevalence was 0.6 % (95 % CI 0.2, 0.9) while 1.9 % (95 % CI 1.1, 2.7) and 7.6 % (95 % CI 5.1, 10.1) were the proportion of seroreactors for agro-pastoral and pastoral production systems, respectively. The observed prevalence difference between the three production systems was statistically significant (P < 0.05). At the flock level analysis, 11.2 % (95 % CI 8.2, 14.1) of the flocks sampled had at least one seropositive goat among themselves. Like individual level analysis, the highest prevalence of 32.5 % (95 % CI 21.9, 43.0) was recorded for pastoral production system, followed by agro-pastoral, 13.0 % (95 % CI 7.0, 19.0) and sedentary production system, 3.6 % (95% CI 1.3, 6.0). Accordingly, the odds of Brucella seropositivity were higher (OR = 12.8) in pastoral followed by agro-pastoral (OR = 4.0) in relation to sedentary production system. Large numbers of seroreactors were observed in adult age living in larger flocks with other livestock species. However, no difference was noted between male and female goats. Finally, the need for nationwide survey and subsequent designing and implementation of appropriate control measure is suggested.

A cross sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence and type of common Fasciola species in cattle was conducted in and around Bahir Dar from November 2008-March 2009. The study was based on post-mortem inspection of livers of slaughtered animals at Bahir Dar municipality abattoir and coprological examination using sedimentation technique on fecal samples collected from animals of Bahir Dar and surrounding areas. Out of 413 livers inspected, 165 (39.95%) were positive for Fasciola species. F. hepatica was found to be the most prevalent species in cattle of the study area (89.70%). About 3.63% were positive for F. gigantica and 6.67% were harboring mixed infections. Likewise, out of 384 fecal samples examined 141 (36.72) were positive for the presence of Fasciola eggs. Risk factors such as locality, body condition and sex didn't show any effect on the prevalence of infections (P>0.05). However, breed and age group revealed significant disparity (P<0.05) as greater magnitude of infections were detected in exotic breed and young age group, respectively. In view of the current result, fasciolosis could be considered as a major problem in Bahir Dar and surrounding areas as the ecological factors and management conditions are suitable both for the snail intermediate host and the parasite to be maintained. Strategic treatments need to be implemented at appropriate timing with the aim of reducing worm burden from infected animals and preclude pasture contamination. Integrated control approaches involving livestock owners has to be implemented in reducing the population and activity of snail intermediate hosts to enable maximization of long-term returns from such endemic areas.

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