Epidemiology International Journal

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Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites

of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi zone of Amhara Region, North
West Ethiopia

Abaynew Gelaye1 and Haben Fesseha2*

Research Article
1
Department of Veterinary Laboratory, Guangua District Veterinary Clinic, Ethiopia
Volume 4 Issue 6
2
Department of Veterinary Surgery, Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia
Received Date: October 20, 2020
Published Date: November 16, 2020
*Corresponding author: Haben Fesseha, School of Veterinary Medicine, Wolaita Sodo
DOI: 10.23880/eij-16000166
University, P. O. Box 138, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia, E-mail: tseyon.h@[Link]

Abstract
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Guangua district, Awi zone of Amhara Regional State, North West Ethiopia, from July
2019 to March 2020 to determine the prevalence of helminth parasites in cattle. A total of 460 randomly selected cattle were
sampled and examined using standard coprological procedures. The current study result revealed that 54.13% (n=249/460)
of cattle in the study area harbor one or more species of parasites. In the current study of qualitative fecal sample analysis,
about 13 species of helminth parasites were detected. These gastrointestinal helminth parasites of cattle identified in the study
area were Nematodes 48 (10.44%); (Ascaris, Coopera, Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, Strongyles,
Thelazia, Trichostrongylus), Trematodes 145 (31.52%); (Fasciola, Paramphistomum, Schistosoma) and Cestodes 6 (1.30%);
(Monezia) and mixed infections 50 (10.87%), with the prevalence of each species of the parasites. In the current study, Fasciola
species were dominant with a higher prevalence of 115 (25%) followed by Ascaris species 23 (5%) and Schistosoma species
17 (3.69%). The prevalence in different age groups was observed to be 46.67%, 46.78%, and 60.65% in the calf, young, and
adult age groups, respectively. The helminth parasite infection was recorded to be 56.38% and 53.05% in male and female
cattle respectively. The prevalence of helminth parasite infection in two different breeds of cattle was recorded to be 53.38%
and 64.52% in local and cross breeds respectively. The prevalence of helminth parasites infection of cattle was detected to
58.5% and 48.5% in wet and dry seasons respectively, showing a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The present
study revealed that there was a higher prevalence of helminth parasite infections in cattle of Guangua district which deserving
holistic strategic mass deworming of all species of domestic animals.

Keywords: Cattle; Coprology; Ethiopia; Guangua district; Helminth parasites; Prevalence

Introduction donkeys, 1.4 million camels, 56.07 million poultry, and 6.5
million beehives [1,2]. Despite this large population of
Ethiopia is believed to have the largest livestock cattle, production and productivity are low in Ethiopia, due
population in Africa and this contributing a considerable to poor nutrition, reproduction insufficiency, poor breed
portion to the economy of the country and still promising improvement, management constraints, and prevailing of
to rally round the economic development of the country. infectious and non-infectious animal diseases [3].
The total livestock population of the country accounts for
about 60.4 million cattle, 31.3 million sheep, 32.7 million Livestock, including cattle farming, is among the major
goats, 2.01 million horses, 0.46 million mules, 8.85 million sectors representing a valuable asset in both traditional and

Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi Epidemol Int J
zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia
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Epidemiology International Journal

modern agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, as well as in other of intermediate host [14,15].

tropical and subtropical regions of the world providing the
needed animal protein that contributes to the improvement Studies comprising the identification of helminth
of the nutritional status of the people, milk, meat, egg, honey, parasites and their epidemiology are essential. The primary
cheese, and butter during festivities around the world, factors affecting the development and survival of the eggs
flexible income for family units, employment, hides, and and free-living larvae are temperature and moisture and
skin for leather production, farm/draught or packing energy, different parasites vary in their ability to survive extremes
manure for enhancing agriculture of crop production and of temperature and moisture. There is a marked seasonal
applied to improve soil fertility as compost and also used as fluctuation in the number and availability of infective stages
a source of energy [4,5]. on pasture. The causes for this conveniently grouped as
factors affecting contamination of the environment and
Helminths parasites of ruminants refer to a group of those controlling the survival, development, dissemination,
complex multicellular eukaryotic parasites that are infective and availability of free-living stages and intermediate hosts
to animals all over the world [6]. Helminth infection is a [16,17].
menace for both small and large-scale farmers, but their
impact is greater in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia, The epidemiological occurrence of gastrointestinal
due to the availability of a wide range of agro-ecological helminths parasites mainly depends on seasonal climatic
factors suitable for diversified hosts and parasite species [7]. changes and certain management practices. The level of
environmental contamination is influenced by factors
Helminths parasitic infection is one of the major causes of including the biotic potential of helminths, host immune
disease, wastage, and decreased production and productivity status, and hypobiosis [18]. The most important helminths
of livestock in the country by exerting their effect through parasites in cattle include nematodes (roundworms),
direct losses include those losses of livestock due to mortality, trematodes (flukes), and cestodes (tapeworms). These
morbidity, condemnation of organs and carcasses at meat parasites are a worldwide problem for both small and large-
inspection, cause zoonotic disease which is important from scale farmers, but there is a greater instance in sub-Saharan
the public health point of view; whilst indirect losses include Africa in general, and Ethiopia in particular due to the
the diminution of productive potentials such as reduced milk availability of a wide range of agro-ecological factors suitable
and meat production, decreased growth rate, weight loss in for diversified hosts and parasite species [19].
young growing calves, involuntary culling, lowered fertility,
late maturity of slaughter stock, treatment costs and weaken The investigations about the epidemiology of
the working capacity of the animal mainly in developing gastrointestinal parasites infections in cattle have been
countries. The helminth parasites also cause unthriftiness, well documented in several foreign countries, which
gut damage, anemia, diarrhea, anorexia, gastroenteritis, helped improve helminths control, animal performance,
abdominal distention, emaciation, weaken the energy of and decrease in production losses [20]; but still now there
their hosts, bring about deformity, reduced feed intake, and was a shortage of organized documents of animal diseases
reduced absorption of nutrients [8,9]. in different districts of Ethiopia in general, and in Guangua
district in particular. And till to date, there are no published
Economic losses associated with gastrointestinal research papers or investigations that had been studied about
helminth parasitic conditions range from decreased the epidemiological prevalence, occurrences, distributions,
utilization of feeds in unthrifty animals to weight loss or even species, and infection rate of helminth parasites of cattle in
death [10]. Severe losses of production can occur in herds the study area of Guangua district. Therefore, the objective of
suffering from sub-clinical helminths infections even when this study was to determine the epidemiological occurrence
animals appear to be healthy [11]. The effect of infection by of major helminth parasite infections and their qualitative
gastrointestinal helminth parasites varies according to the prevalence in cattle of Guangua district, Awi zone of Amhara
parasite concerned, the degree of infestation, environment, region, North West Ethiopia.
and other risk factors such as species, age, sex, breed, season,
and intensity of worm burden [12,13]. The incidence of Materials and Methods
helminth parasite infections and their severity varies greatly
from area to area depending on the relative importance of Study Area
many factors like nutrition status, pasture management,
climatic condition, humidity, temperature, rainfall, The study was conducted in Guangua district, Awi
vegetation, genera of helminth parasites involved, animal zone of Amhara regional state to determine the prevalence
species, animal immunity and host preference and presence of helminth parasites of cattle and their epidemiological

Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha. Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites Copyright© Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha.
of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Epidemol Int J 2020,
4(6): 000166.
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Epidemiology International Journal

occurrence and distribution. Guangua district is located 505 Study Design

km northwest of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and it is
found 179 km Southwest of Bahir Dar, the capital city of the A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2019
Amhara region, and 57 km far from Injibara, the capital city to March 2020 to determine the prevalence of helminth
of Awi zone administration. According to the data of Guangua parasites of cattle in which the fecal samples were collected
district annual statistical magazine, (2018/2019), the total for coprological examination and to investigate the
population number of the district was about 140,149. The epidemiological distribution and the risk factors influencing
altitude of the district is found between 1600-1710 meters the prevalence of helminth parasites infection in cattle.
above sea level with a mean annual rainfall of 1550mm
(1300-1800 mm) and a mean annual temperature of 23.5°C Sampling Method and Sample Size
(22-25°C). The production system is a crop-livestock mixed Determination
type of agriculture in which the extensive husbandry
A simple random sampling method was employed to
management of livestock has been practiced. Guangua
select the sample animals. The sample size was determined
district had a total livestock population of 144851, 35740,
using the formula given by Thrusfield M [23].
22955, 2385, 918, 9645, 172933, 23598 cattle, sheep, goats,
mules, horses, donkeys, poultry, and beehives, respectively
N= [(1.96)2 Pexp (1-Pexp)]/d2
[21] (Figure 1).
Where N=required sample size, Pexp = Expected prevalence
(50%), d=desired absolute precision (0.05).

According to the above formula, 384 samples were

needed, but to increase the precision, 460 cattle were sampled
and examined by using the coprological examinations of fecal
floatation and sedimentation techniques.

Faecal Sample Collection and Examination

The sample of fresh fecal was collected directly from the
rectum by using sterile disposable plastic gloves. The samples
were collected and placed in a labeled clean universal bottle
(plastic container) and were preserved with formalin 10%
and were submitted to Guangua district veterinary clinical
diagnostic laboratory for processing. At the time of sampling,
Figure 1: Map of Guangua district and its surrounding identification number, the name of the owners, nickname of
districts, (Developed by GIS, 2020). the animal, date and season of sampling, age, sex, breed, and
address or kebele were recorded for each cattle on a data
recording format.
Study Animals
The fecal collected samples were processed and
The study animals were cattle found in different kebeles
examined by using the standard floatation and sedimentation
of Guangua district which includes; Bizra Kani, Tiru Birhan,
techniques for the qualitative investigation of the types of
Waikela, Semen Degera, and Yimali kebeles. These selected
gastrointestinal helminth eggs. Nematode and Cestode eggs
localities had a different range of agro-ecological and weather
were identified by the floatation technique in saturated NaCl
conditions suitable for diversified hosts and parasite species.
solution and Trematodes were examined by sedimentation
Cattle in the study areas were randomly selected for the
methods. Fasciola species and Paramphistomum species
helminth parasites egg examination. A total of 460 heads of
eggs were distinguished by their morphological and color
both male and female sexes; and both local and crossbreeds
differences by staining with the reagent of methylene blue.
of cattle were examined during the study period. Study
The Fasciola eggs appear yellowish and paramphistomum
animals were categorized into three age groups based on the
eggs appear grayish with dark granules in the egg with a blue
study of Kemal J, et al. [22] into (Calf < 1-year-old; Young: 1
background. Eggs of the different helminths were identified
to 3 years old; and Adults and Olds >3 years old). The cattle
based on morphological appearance, color, and size of eggs
were managed extensively with a free communal grazing
according to the literature [24,25].
system.

Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha. Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites Copyright© Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha.
of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Epidemol Int J 2020,
4(6): 000166.
4
Epidemiology International Journal

Data Management and Statistical Analysis age groups was detected to be 46.67%, 46.78%, and 60.65%
in calves, young, and adult age groups respectively and this
The data collected on helminth parasites of cattle and was found statistically significant (x2 =8.9113, p=0.012). The
its associated risk factors were coded and entered in the prevalence of helminth parasite infection in the sex group
Microsoft Excel worksheet 2016 and analyzed using STATA was observed to be 56.38% in the male and 53.05% in female
version 13. Descriptive Statistics was used to determine the animals, but it was not statistically significant (x2=0.4475,
prevalence through percentage and frequency. Percentages p=0.504). The prevalence of helminth parasite infection in
(%) were used to measure prevalence and chi-square two different breeds of cattle was recorded to be 53.38% and
(χ2) was applied to measure the association between the 64.52% in local and cross breeds respectively (x2=1.4440,
prevalence of the parasite and associated risk factors of age, p=0.229).
sex, breed, and season. The significance of the association
between variables was said to exist if the calculated level of
Species of helminth No. of cattle Prevalence
significance is less than 5% (p<0.05) at a 95% confidence No.
parasite detected infected (%)
level.
Nematodes 48 10.44
Results Ascaris (Toxocara
1 23 5
vitulorum)
Overall Prevalence of Helminthosis
2 Coopera 2 0.43
The current study result revealed that the overall 3 Haemonchus 2 0.43
prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle in the study area
of Guangua district was 54.13%, which means from the total 4 Ostertagia 9 1.97
sample of 460 cattle examined, 54.13% (n=249) were found 5 Nematodirus 2 0.43
to harbor one or more species of parasites. In the current
6 Thelazia 3 0.65
study, about 13 species of helminth parasites of cattle were
detected. The helminth parasites of cattle identified in the 7 Oesophagostomum 2 0.44
study area were Nematodes (Ascaris, Coopera, Haemonchus, 8 Trichostrongylus 3 0.65
Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, Strongyles,
9 Strongyles 2 0.44
Thelazia, Trichostrongylus), Trematodes (Fasciola,
Paramphistomum, Schistosoma), and Cestodes (Monezia of Trematodes 145 31.52
cattle) with the prevalence of each of the parasites presented 10 Fasciola 115 25
in Table 1.
11 Paramphistomum 13 2.83
The present study findings indicated that Fasciola was 12 Schistosoma 17 3.69
the dominant species of parasites in which higher prevalence Cestodes 6 1.3
was recorded in Fasciola species with 115 (25%) followed
by Ascaris species 23 (5.0%) and Schistosoma species 17 13 Monezia 6 1.3
(3.69%). The dominancy of Fasciola might be associated Mixed infections 50 10.87
with the presence of swampy areas suitable for the growth
Mixed infection of two
of intermediate hosts (snails), and communal grazing of
14 or more classes of 50 10.87
animals in the same grazing fields. Although Fasciola and
parasites
Ascaris were the most prevalent parasites encountered, other
helminth parasites like Coopera, Haemonchus, Nematodirus, 15 Total 249 54.13
Oesophagostomum, and Strongylus, were found to be the Table 1: Prevalence and Species of helminth parasites of
least prevalent. Based on this study the parasites of class cattle detected in Guangua district (N=460).
Trematoda were dominant followed by class Nematoda
and class Cestoda with a prevalence of 145 (31.52%), 48 The higher prevalence of helminth parasites infection of
(10.44%), 6 (1.30%), respectively. And the mixed infections cattle was detected during wet season was 58.5% whereas
of different classes and species of parasites were found to be 48.5% in dry seasons and it was found statistically significant
50 (10.87%) as summarized below in Table 1. associated between season and prevalence (x2=4.5179,
p=0.034) (Table 2).
The prevalence of helminth parasite infection in different

Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha. Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites Copyright© Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha.
of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Epidemol Int J 2020,
4(6): 000166.
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Epidemiology International Journal

No. of cattle No. of cattle

Risk Factors Category Prevalence (%) X2 p-value
examined infected
Calf (<1 year) 45 21 46.67
Young (1-3years) 171 80 46.78
Age groups 8.9113 0.012
Adults and Olds
244 148 60.67
(> 3years)
Male 149 84 56.38
Sex 0.4475 0.504
Female 311 165 53.05
Local 429 229 53.38
Breed 1.444 0.229
Cross 31 20 64.52
Dry 200 97 48.5
Season 4.5179 0.034
Wet 260 152 58.5
Table 2: The prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle and associations with different risk factors.

Types of parasite detected

Oesophagostomum

Paramphistomum

Trichostrongylus
Mixed infections
Nematodirus
Haemonchus

Schistosoma

Strongylus
Ostertagia
Moniezia

No. cattle Prevalence

Thelazia
Coopera

Fasciola

p-value
Ascaris

Months
examined (%)

X2
July 55 36 (65.45) 4 - 14 - - 1 1 - 4 1 1 1 - 9
August 55 37 (67.27) 4 - 24 - - - - - 1 3 - - - 5
September 50 24 (48.00) 2 - 15 - - - - - - 1 - - - 6
October 50 34 (68.00) 3 - 21 1 2 - 1 - 1 1 - - - 4
November 50 21(42.00) 2 1 6 1 - - - 2 - 4 - - 2 3
157.66 0.003
December 50 24 (48.00) 3 - 9 - - - - 2 3 4 - - - 3
January 50 24 (48.00) 3 - 7 - 1 - - 4 4 - - - 1 4
February 50 26 (52.00) 1 1 13 - 1 - - - - 2 1 2 - 5
March 50 23 (46.00) 1 - 6 - 2 1 - 1 - 1 - - - 11
Total 460 249 (54.13) 23 2 115 2 6 2 2 9 13 17 2 3 3 50
Table 3: Monthly prevalence of the species of helminth parasites of cattle in Guangua district.

Also, the prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle in the Fasciola species, Ascaris species, to some extent Schistosoma
different months was recorded and the presence of helminth species, and mixed infections of different species of parasites
parasites were associated with different months of the year were prevalent and encountered in all months of the year, as
which was found to be a statistically significant association shown below in Table 3.
with a p-value of less than 0.05, which is (x2=157.6562,
p=0.003). The prevalence was with respect to the month Discussion
was found 65.45%, 67.27%, 48%, 68%, 42.%, 48%, 48%,
52%, 46% in July, August, September, October, November, This study revealed that the overall prevalence of
December, January, February, and March, respectively. And helminth parasites of cattle is 54.13% with the different class

Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha. Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites Copyright© Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha.
of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Epidemol Int J 2020,
4(6): 000166.
6
Epidemiology International Journal

of parasites namely with trematodes (31.52%), nematodes chronic nutritional stress, and suitability of the climate for
(10.44%), cestodes (1.3%), and mixed infections (10.87%). survival and proliferation of the parasites [37]. This might be
This result agrees with the result of previous works by probably associated with a lack of strategic mass deworming,
Ntonifor H, et al. [26] with 56.7% in western Cameron, Teka communal free-grazing animals, presence of swampy areas,
[27], with 59.5% in Bahir Dar and its surroundings, Telila and lack of supply in Guangua districts such as narrow-
C, et al. [9] with 61% in eastern Oromia region of Ethiopia, spectrum drugs of Fascinex® or Triclabendazole which is
Nwigwe J, et al. [28] with 50.8% in southeastern Nigeria, and used for effective treatment and control of Fasciolosis.
Derib Y [29] with 50.0% in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia.
While other helminths parasites like Coopera,
This result is also relatively close to or approached with Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum,
the works of Keyyu J, et al. [30] with 44.4% in dairy cattle from and Strongylus were found to be the least prevalent
Tanzania, Addisu B, et al. [31] with 46.8% in southwestern gastrointestinal helminths parasites, this might be related
Ethiopia, and Regea G [17] with 49.0% in west Arsi, Ethiopia with that the animals may take a broad-spectrum of
were reported a prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminth anthelmintic like albendazole drugs which can treat properly
parasites, respectively. the above-mentioned class of nematode parasites. The result
of the present study disagrees with the finding reported by
The prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle of the Telila C, et al. [9] who reported a higher prevalence of, 41%
current of study to some extent was higher than the works Strongyle species were dominant in the East Showa zone,
of Kemal J, et al. [22] with 39.6% from Gedebano Gutazer Central Ethiopia.
Wolene district, Ephrem, [32] with 41.2% in the western
Amhara region of Ethiopia and Gizaw S [33] with 42.33% in The present study showed that the prevalence of
eastern Oromia region of Ethiopia. helminths parasites infection in cattle of Guangua district is
greater in adult and old age groups (> 3years), 60.65% than
However, it was lower than the works of Regassa F, et in other age groups. Moreover, the prevalence was observed
al. [7] with 69.6% in the western Oromia region of Ethiopia, to be 46.67% and 46.78% in calves (<1 year) and youngs
Ola-Fadunsin S [8] with 79.92% in Nigeria, Zerfu M [34] with (1-3years) age groups respectively. The present findings on
81% in Assela and its surroundings, Ethiopia and Etsehiwot the prevalence of 46.67% of helminth parasites in calf age
W [35] with 82.8% in Holleta, Ethiopia. These differences groups were similar to previous results of 42.61%; but there
of the prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle in different was a little difference in young and adult age groups with the
study areas could probably be due to the difference and prevalence of 65.76% and 45.27% respectively, as reported
fact that cattle could have frequent exposure to the same by Tulu D, et al. [36], in Tulo district west Hararghe zone of
communal grazing land that causes contamination of South-Eastern Ethiopia.
pasture, management system, de-worming practices using
broad-spectrum anthelmintics, topography, season, climate The present finding is similar to previous results
and moisture of favorable environmental condition that reported by Monrad J, et al. [38] in communal grazing areas
could enable the survival, development of parasitic larval of Zimbabwe and Kemal J, et al. [22], in Gedebario Gutazer
stage and its intermediate hosts [22]. Wolane district, Ethiopia. The significant difference in the
infection rate of gastrointestinal helminths parasite among
The result of the present study showed thirteen (13) different age groups in the present study is most probably
Species of gastrointestinal helminth parasites of cattle due to susceptibility and resistance in different age groups.
namely: from Nematodes (Ascaris, Coopera, Haemonchus, Some animals may acquire immunity to the parasites through
Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Ostertagia, Strongyles, frequent challenge and expel the ingested parasites before
Thelazia, and Trichostrongylus), from Trematodes (Fasciola, they establish infection keeping adult cattle for a longer
Paramphistomum and Schistosoma) and Cestodes (Monezia). period in breeding and milk production purposes or supply
The result current study almost agrees with the works of inadequate feed against their high demand, adults trekked
other researchers like Tulu D, et al. [36] who reported about long distances to valleys, rivers and flood plains, stress due
eighteen (8) species of gastrointestinal helminth parasites to working habit or physiological conditions accessibility of
prevalence’s from the Tulo district of Southeastern Ethiopia. communal grazing areas and presence of intermediate hosts.

Fasciola species were the predominant helminth parasite The result of the current study indicated that there was
115 (25%) followed by Ascaris 23 (5%) and Schistosoma 17 not a significant association (p= 0.504), this is more probably
(3.7%). The high level of multiple infections could be due to due to an equal opportunity for infection when they are
the inefficient methods of control including low attention exposed to the parasites in the communal grazing pasture.
given to the subclinical forms, coupled with the prevailing The absence of association between sex and prevalence

Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha. Epidemiological Study on the Prevalence of Helminth Parasites Copyright© Abaynew Gelaye and Haben Fesseha.
of Cattle in Guangua District, Awi zone of Amhara Region, North West Ethiopia. Epidemol Int J 2020,
4(6): 000166.
7
Epidemiology International Journal

agrees with that of [39]. However, there was a little of communal grazing areas of swampy areas, presence of
prevalence difference in the infection rate of gastrointestinal intermediate hosts (snails), and the grazing habit of some
helminths parasite of cattle in among sexes in which a higher animals around Dura river and other rivers. Strategic and
prevalence rate was recorded in the male 56.38% than regular mass deworming should be practiced in all species of
female 53.05%. This finding is inconsistent with the work domestic animals to interrupt the life-cycle and hypobiosis
of Hillgarth N, et al. [40], who reported a prevalence rate nature of helminth parasites. And the narrow-spectrum drug
of 56.5% in males and 52.9% in females, respectively. The such as Fascinex® or Triclabendazole should be supplied
difference in the infection rate of gastrointestinal helminths to the Guangua district, to interrupt this high prevalence of
parasite in between male and female cattle is most likely due Fasciolosis.
to hard-working, stressful conditions those males are mainly
used for ploughing purpose and method of management The findings of this study would be a baseline data for the
systems. next researchers about internal helminth parasitic worms of
cattle and disease surveillance which is extremely paramount
Higher prevalences of helminth parasites of cattle important to design effective holistic prevention and control
were recorded in wet seasons (58.5%) than in dry seasons options including periodically strategic mass deworming
(48.5%), this might be related to the presence of favorable for the improvement of the health status of cattle, as well
environmental conditions of temperature, moisture for as protecting the public from zoonotic parasitic diseases in
the development of parasites and their corresponding the study area. Because animal disease diagnosis supported
intermediate hosts and the presence of communal grazing with veterinary laboratory examination avoids irrational use
activities in the field during the wet season. This result is in of veterinary drugs (which is the main contributing factor
line with the reports of Adrien M, et al. [41]. for the development of drug resistance); thus, these findings
also enable to modernize and rationalize the services of
The prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle in the treatments of animal diseases and to prescribe the narrow
different months was recorded and the presence of helminth spectrum of a drug to reduce the drug-resistance in animals,
parasites were associated with different months of the year which is the current and future threat or issue of treatment
which was found to be a statistically significant association problem in the world.
with a p-value of less than 0.05, which is (x2=157.6562,
p=0.003). The prevalence was 65.45%, 67.27%, 48%, 68%, In conclusion, adequate supply both in type and number
42.%, 48%, 48%, 52%, 46% in July, August, September, of veterinary drugs, including Triclabendazole (Fascinex),
October, November, December, January, February, and to the district is essential for better treatment and control
March, respectively. This result agrees with the works of of Fasciolosis. Besides, applying Veterinary laboratory tests
Regea G [17] who had reported the monthly prevalence of is mandatory to avoid the misdiagnosis of animal diseases,
65%, 48.8%, 37.5%, 43.8%, 38.8% in November, December, irrational use of veterinary drugs, proper utilization of drugs,
January, February, and March, respectively, with a significant and protecting the public from exposure to unnecessary
associated of (p-value=0.003) gastrointestinal helminth drug residues. Moreover, the Veterinary Laboratories should
parasites of cattle in Jimma town, Oromia region of South be fulfilled with a sufficient amount of laboratory equipment,
West Ethiopia. reagents, and laboratory technicians, in order to perform an
accurate confirmatory diagnosis. Further researches should
Conclusion and Recommendations be studied on the epidemiology of helminthosis in different
species of animals in the Guangua district and awareness
The current study result revealed that the overall creation about the devastating economic impact of helminth
prevalence of helminth parasites of cattle in the study area is parasites on animals is mandatory.
54.13%, of which Fasciola is the dominant species of parasite
from these findings which accounts for about 25%. This References
high prevalence of helminthosis in the study area indicates
the disease has great economic importance in the cattle 1. Central Statistical Agency (2017) Report on livestock
population and requires wisely control and preventive issues. and livestock characteristics. The Federal Democratic
The most important helminth parasites of cattle identified Republic of Ethiopia, Private Peasant Holdings, Statistical
in the Guangua district include nematodes (roundworms), Bulletin 570, CSA.
trematodes (flukes), and cestodes (tapeworms).
2. Getachew Y, Lemma A, Fesseha H (2020) Assessment
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