Prevalence of major skin diseases of cattle and associated risk factors around Ambo town, Ethiopia

Abstract

Across-sectional study was conducted on 384 cattle to identify skin diseases and associated risk factors in cattle in and around Ambo town, Ethiopia. Thorough clinical examination was made followed by collection of skin scrapping and visible ecto-parasites for laboratory identification. The overall prevalence was 73.7%, of which 69.01% was ecto-parasite infestation, 4.36% skin wart and 2.6% dermatophilosis. Among ecto-parasites ticks, lice and mange mites accounted for 64.3%, 14.6% and 10.16%, respectively. The tick genera identified were Boophilus (51.6%), Rhipicephalus (28.4%), Ambylomma (8.6%) and Hyalomma (3.4%); whereas lice and mange mite genera detected were [Linognatus (12.8%) and Haematopinus (1.6%)] and [Psoroptes (9.4%) and Demodex (0.8%)], respectively. Univariable logistic regression analysis showed significantly higher (p<0.001) prevalence of tick infestation in males, local breeds and poor body conditioned animals under extensive management system. Only age of cattle showed significant association with mange mite and lice infestations. Dermatophilosis was significantly (p<0.05) higher in animals 2-5 years of age, cross breed and semi-intensively managed cattle. Generally, the prevalence of tick was high, that of lice and mange mite was moderate prevalence whereas the prevalence of dermatophillosis, skin wart, LSD and photosensitization was low. These findings call for urgent, coordinated and organized ecto-parasite and skin disease control at all level starting from the farm up until the tanneries.