Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Sheep Lice in Tiyo District Highland Area of Arsi Zone in Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was done from November 2011 to March 2012.A total of 384 sheep from Tiyo District of Arsi Zone, around High land area of Assela were selected for the present study. Cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of lice in sheep and to identify major species of lice in the study area. The densities of lice were determined through counting after parting of the fleece/wool at five (5) points on a length of 10 cm in different regions (neck, shoulder, back, rump and flank) on both sides of the body. The overall prevalence of lice infestation was found 53.9% (n=384). From this Bovicola takes the highest prevalence in each variable (sex, age, body condition and month) whereas linognathus ovillus had lower prevalence in each variable. The prevalence of lice for female and male was 53.26% and 56.4%, respectively. Adult and young infestation rate of lice was 51.52% and 57.5%, respectively. Prevalence of lice Infestation in good, medium and poor body condition was 64 (36.8%), 94 (62.7%) and 49 (81.7%) respectively. The prevalence of lice in November was 94 (74.44%), in January 42 (32.8%) and in February 71(55.5%). There is statistically significant difference in the occurrence of lice infestation between body condition scores and months (p0.05). These result shows that lice infestation has a great effect on the skin quality and on the production of meat and milk. From this result it can be concluded that occurrence of lice depends on body condition and climatic factor therefore owners should practice good management system by keeping the hygiene of animal and by avoid mixing of healthy animals with diseased once. Keywords: Assela; Lice; Prevalence; Sheep