Equine fasciolosis a growing problem in Arsi-Bale highlands of Oromia region, Southeastern Ethiopia

Abstract

A coproscopic survey on equine fasciolosis was conducted in Asela and Goba districts within the Arsi-Bale highlands of Oromia region, Southeastern Ethiopia. The study design was a cross sectional type employed between September 2015 to June 2016 on a total of 1184 faecal samples representing 682 horses, 401 donkeys and 101 mules. Coprological examination revealed the existence of equine fasciolosis with an overall prevalence of 18.92%. Out of which, the prevalence of fasciolosis in horses, donkeys and mules was 83 (7.02%), 93 (7.85%) and 48 (4.05%), respectively. There was no statistically significant variations (P>0.05) in the prevalence of equine fasciolosis among districts, age, species and sexes of equines. Necropsy was performed on a total of 14 horses euthanized due to severe infections of epizootic lymphangitis and tetanus cases and examined for adult parasites. Accordingly, Trichostrongylus axei (100%), Parascaris equorum (50%), Gastrophillus species (50%), Fasciola hepatica (35.7%) and Fasciola gigantica (28.7%) were found. The presence of more than one helminthes parasites in equines of Arsi-Bale highlands of Oromia region may be related with lack of regular deworming and poor management practices. The result of the present study disclosed that fasciolosis is one of the growing parasitic problems of equines in the Arsi-Bale highlands affecting the well-being of horses, mules and donkeys. Therefore due emphasis should be given particularly in prevention and control of this parasites.