DEBRE TABOR UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRON MENTAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY SCIENCE
SENIOR RESEARCH ON
PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTOR OF OVINE LUNG
WORM IN AND AROUND DEBRE TABOR TOWN, NORTH WEST
ETHIOPIA

BY: TEMESGEN YILAK

ADVISOR: Dr. DESALEW T. (DVM, MSC, ASSISTANCE PROFESSOR, )

JUNE 2023
DEBRE TABOR, ETHIOPIA.
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First, I would like to thanks GOD, the almighty, most merciful, self-enough master; whom all
creature of the world by having full of things; that no one is out of his control and he open the
right way for all to believe on him.

I would like to thank all of our families those are supporting us economically and morally in all
my educational levels.

Lastly but not least, I would like to express our sincere appreciation and thanks to our advisor
Dr. Desalew Tamir for his intellectual guidance, technical and professional advice,

finally, I express thanks to my close friends who shared me love and experience.

I
 TABLE CONTENTS

Contents page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.......................................................................................I
TABLE CONTENTS.............................................................................................II
LIST OF TABLE..................................................................................................IV
LIST OF FIGURES................................................................................................V
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS..............................................................................VI
ABSTRACT.........................................................................................................VII
CHAPTER ONE......................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................1
1.1 Background of the study................................................................................1
1.2 Statement of the problem...............................................................................2
1.3 Objectives of the study...................................................................................3
1. 3 .1 General objective....................................................................................3
1. 3.2 Specific objectives.......................................................................................3
CHAPTER TWO.....................................................................................................4
REVIEW OF LITERATURE................................................................................4
2.1 Etiology............................................................................................................4
2.2 Epidemiology..................................................................................................5
2.3 Transmission...................................................................................................6
2.4 Clinical sign.....................................................................................................7
2.5 Diagnosis.........................................................................................................7
2.6 Necropsy finding.............................................................................................8
2.7 Economic importance....................................................................................8
2.8 Treatment........................................................................................................9
2.9 Prevention and control...................................................................................9

II
CHAPTER THREE...............................................................................................10
MATERIAL AND METHODS............................................................................10
3.1 Study Area....................................................................................................10
3.2 Study population..........................................................................................10
3.3 Study Design.................................................................................................10
3.4 Sampling and Sample Size Determination.................................................10
3.5 Sample Collection and Laboratory Technique..........................................11
3.6 Data Analysis................................................................................................11
CHAPTER FOUR.................................................................................................12
RESULTS...............................................................................................................12
4.1. Prevalence of lung worm............................................................................12
4.2. Risk Factors of sheep lung worm...............................................................12
CHAPTER FIVE...................................................................................................13
DISCUSSION.........................................................................................................13
CHAPTER SIX......................................................................................................15
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS..............................................15
REFERENCES......................................................................................................16
ANNEXES..............................................................................................................22

III
 LIST OF TABLE

Table 1: Prevalence of sheep lungworm with different risk in debre tabor tow.....12

IV
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1:Dictyocaulus filaria lungworm...................................................................5

Figure 2:Life cycle of d.filaria...................................................................................7

V
 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

D. Filarial Dictyocaulus Filarial

L1 ,L3 Larval Stage 1,3

LC Life Cycle

D. viviparous Dictyocaulus viviparous

SPSS Statistical package for social science

VI
 ABSTRACT

The overall prevalence of lungworm Infection in the area was 34.37%. A cross sectional study
was conduct in Debre tabor Town from march 2023 to June 2023 with the objective of
determining the prevalence of lung worm infection and associated risk factors in small ruminants
in debre tabor town . simple random sampling technique were used for the collection of fecal
sample from sheep and the sample was transported to farta woreda veterinary clinic laboratory
for the determination of the prevalence of lung worm infection. The collected data were analyzed
using SPSS version 20.0 software program. Fecal samples were collected from 384 sheep of the
same breed (indigenous) to Examine first stage larvae by using modified Barman technique.
Age, sex, , management system, and coughing history were the assumed potential risk factor for
the occurrence of lungworm infection, using chi square analysis, only respiratory sign and body
condition was statistically significant (P< 0.05) isk factor with infection of lungworm and the
others were not significant risk in the current study. There is high prevalence of lungworm
infection in the study area warns stake holders should therefore, during the control and treatment
of small ruminant lung worm infection, animals feeding condition to keep in good body
condition, should be considered as potential risk factors for the occurrence of the disease.

Key words: Debre tabor; Lungworm; Prevalence; Risk Factors;

VII
 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Among African countries, Ethiopia is known by having the highest number of livestock
Population. According to the recent estimate of livestock population of the country, Ethiopia is a
home for about 54 million cattle, 25.5 million sheep and 24.06 million goats. From the total
cattle population 98.95% are local breeds and the remaining are hybrid and exotic breeds. 99.8%
of the sheep and nearly all goat population of the country are local breeds (CSA, 2020). Sheep
and goats are the most numerous of man’s domestic livestock. In Ethiopia, sheep are the
dominant livestock providing up to 63% of cash income and 23% of food substance value
obtained from livestock production (Bogale et al., 2012).Small ruminants are especially
important in the more extreme climates, and they are noted for their ability to convert low
opportunity cost feed in to high value products including meat, milk, fiber, manure and hides
(Wilsmore, 2006; Asaye and Alemneh, 2015). In Ethiopia, Small ruminants provide 33% of meat
and 14% of milk consumption, and accounts for 40% of cash income and 19% of the house hold
meat consumption in the central high lands where mixed crop-livestock production system is
practiced (Asaye and Alemneh, 2015). About half of all sheep mortality and morbidity on farms
in Ethiopian highlands are caused by pneumonia and endoparasitism including lung worms
(Asaye and Alemneh, 2015). These lungworms are widely distributed throughout the world but
are particularly common in countries with temperate climates, and in the highlands of tropical
and subtropical countries, and it is common in Ethiopia (Abebe et al., 2016). Lung worm
infection is also called Verminous Bronchitis or Verminous Pneumonia which caused by the
three economically important species of lungworm of sheep and goat namely, Dictyocaulus
fiaria, Protostrongylus rufescens, and Muellerius capillaries (Chakraborty , 2014; Abebe . 2016).
Verminous pneumonia is a chronic and prolonged infection of sheep and goats caused by any of
these parasitic nematodes, characterized clinically by respiratory distress and pathologically by
bronchitis and broncho -pneumonia due to infection of the lower respiratory tract, resulting in
bronchitis or pneumonia or both (Tewodros, 2015). Control of these parasites is therefore,

1
essential for releasing the potentials of sheep production. For the Proper control to be knowledge
of parasitic diseases and their dynamics must dangerous to lay down rigid rules of their control
which are applicable for all regions. For these reasons a study of epidemiology of each parasitic
disease should limited small areas (Radostitis.2006).
Lungworms are parasitic nematodes of the order Strongylidae that infect the lungs of cattle and
sheep and cause bronchitis or pneumonia. Livestock production is a major component of the
agrarian economy in developing countries and goes well beyond direct food production. Sales of
livestock and their products provide immediate cash income to farmers and foreign exchange to
the endowed countries. Among the predominant livestock species; sheep play an important role
in the socio-economic development of the majority of African countries. Control of these
parasites is therefore, essential for releasing the potentials of sheep production. For the proper
Control to be knowledge of parasitic diseases and their dynamics must dangerous to lay down
rigid rules of their control which are applicable for all regions. For these reasons a study of
epidemiology of each parasitic disease should limited small areas. Therefore, to increase the
potential of small ruminant production and to get the maximum benefits from them prevention
and control of lungworm is very important. Although environmental factors are conductive for
lungworm infections in sheep and lungworm infection is considered as an important disease.
(FAO, 2010).

1.2 Statement of the problem

Ovine lungworm, also known as Dictyocaulus filaria, is a parasitic infection that affects sheep
and can lead to severe respiratory disease. Despite its economic importance, the prevalence and
risk factors associated with ovine lungworm infection in and around Debre tabor town is not
studied. `The aim of this research proposal is study and knows the prevalence and risk factor of
lungworm where in the study area previously not studied.

2
1.3 Objectives of the study

1. 3 .1 General objective
 To identify the prevalence and associated risk factor of lung worm in sheep around debre
tabor town, northwest Ethiopia.

1. 3.2 Specific objectives

 To estimate prevalent of lung worm in sheep in The study area.
 To determine Risk factors of ovine lung worm parasites occurrence in the study area.

3
 CHAPTER TWO

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Lung worm infection of sheep: The common name of lungworm infection is varminous
bronchitis or verminous pneumonia. Verminous pneumonia is a chronic and prolonged lung
infection of sheep. It is characterized clinically by respiratory distress and pathologically by
bronchitis and bronchopneumonia and caused by nematode parasite. Lungworms are parasitic
nematode of the order strongylida that infest the lungs of vertebrates. It is infection of lower
respiratory tract resulting in bronchitis, or pneumonia or both, by any of several parasitic
nematodes (Jubb K, Kennedy P, Palmer N 2007) .

2.1 Etiology
Lung worm (dictyocaulus)
This genus living in (host) the bronchi of cattle, sheep, sores and donkey in the major cause of
parasitic bronchitis. Lungworm parasites that infect domestic ruminants are roundworms
(nematode) that belongs to the phylum Nemathelmenthes and grouped under Metastrongyloidea
and Trichostrongyloidea super family (Tewodros, 2015). Of these round worms, Dictyocaulus
and Protostrongylus are causes of lungworm infection in ruminants (Schneider, 2000).
Lungworm infections in different species caused by different nematodes,which are D.viviparus
(in cattie), D.filaria(in sheep), and D.arnifieldi (in donkey and horse). But the common causes of
verminous pneumonia in sheep are D. filaria, P. rufescens and M. capillaris. Although mixed
Infections may occur. It distributed at worldwide, but especialy important in temprate region
(Urquhart 1996).
Adult Dictyocaulus worms are slender, medium sized roundworms and up to 8 cm long. As in
other roundworms, the body of these worms is covered with a cuticle, which is flexible but rather
tough. The worms have a tubular digestive system with two openings, the mouth and the anus
(Mandal, 2006). They also have a nervous system but no excretory organs and no
circulatorysystem

4
i.e. neither a heart nor blood vessels. The female ovaries are large and the uteri end in an opening
called the vulva. Posterior end male lung worms have a copulatory bursa with two short and
thick spicules for attaching to the female during copulation. Posterior end of an adult male lung
worm Dictyocaulus filaria has short bursa having a short, stout, dark brown spicules “ boot-
shaped” as indicated in figure 1 (Dar et al., 2012). The eggs of Dictyocaulus filaria and
Dictyocaulus arnfieldi is approximately 60x90 micrometers and that of Dictyocaulus viviparous
approximately 35x85 micrometers. They have ovoid shape and contain a fully developed L1
Dictyocaulus larva (Janquera, 2014). Adult Muellerius capillaris are medium-sized (not longer
than 3 cm) and thin worms (hence their common name hairworms),while adult Protostrongylus
rufescens are slender, reddish to brownish color worms up to 70 mm (Janquera, 2015 a & b).

Figure 1:Dictyocaulus filaria lungworm

2.2 Epidemiology
Epidemiological distribution of lung worm depends more on pasture contamination by carrier
animals. Pasture infectivity is related to rainfall which stimulates the activity of both the larvae
and the mollusk. Moisture is essential for the survival and development of the larvae. The larvae
is active at moderate temperature of 10-21 0c. Larvae survive best in cool, damp surroundings
especially when the environment is stabilized by the presence of long herbage of free water.
under optimum conditions the larvae can persist for over one year (Tewodros, 2015). Infestations
of animals with lungworms have a very wide distribution depending on climatic conditions. The
larvae require moisture for the development and a temperature of 27 oc. they reach the infective
stage in six or seven days. Disease is transmitted by coughing and a source of infection is
infected pastures and water. L3 larvae for several months may survive in the bronchi of infected
animals, particularly yearlings (Upadhayay, 2005

5
The lungworm parasite causes a severe respiratory disease in sheep and goat which commonly
known as parasitic bronchitis, husk or dictyocaulosis, which is endemic in temperate areas with
high rainfall such as northern Europe (Taylor, et al., 2007). Animals 2 to 18 months old have
higher incidence than do other age groups. Many fifth stage larvae are inhabited in their
envelopment during winter in the lungs of older animals but resume the process in the spring
(Radostitis D. C. and Hinchclift, K.W, 2007). In temperate areas, the epidemiology are
somewhat similar to that of D. viviparus in both the survival of the over wintered larvae on
pasture and the role of ewe as a carrier are significant factors in the presence of infection on the
pasture from year to year in endemic areas. Development to L3 only occurs during the period
from spring to autumn. In the lambs patent infections first occur in early summer but the heaviest
infections are usually seen in autumn. In ewes, the prevalence of infection is lower and their
larval output smaller. As with the other Trichostrongloids, it seems likely that only two cycles of
the parasites occur during each grazing season (Tony, 2006). The infection is contracted through
ingestion of contaminated grass. Since protective immunity develops after infection, the disease
primarily affects young animals during their first grazing season. Major outbreaks are seen from
July to September, when sensitive lambs of 2- 5 months old have been on pasture, and during
this season parasites can get conducive environment to reproduce its self or larval development
(Taylor, et al., 2007).

2.3 Transmission
The general life cycle of lungworm begins with an ingestion of infected larvae. The infected
larvae then penetrate the intestinal wall where larvae migrate in to lungs through the blood
stream and reside in the lungs until the development of adult larvae, after that the eggs of the
adult larvae hatch to produce lungworm larvae. While the eggs that reside in the lungs are
coughed up and then ingested back into the stomach then it passes to the rectum with faeces
(Kahn, 2005). The life cycle of D. filaria is direct. The egg may hatch in the lungs, but are
usually coughed up and swallowed, and hatch while they pass through the alimentary tract of
host. Some eggs may expel in the nasal discharge. The L1 migrates up to the trachea, are
swallowed and pass out in the faeces. The larvae are unique in that they are present in fresh
faeces, are characteristically sluggish, and their intestinal cells are filled with dark brown food

6
granules. In consequences the periparasitic stages do not require feed (Woldesenebet and
Mohamed, 2012).

The adult females of D. Filaria in the bronchi lay larvated eggs that hatch either in the bronchi or
after being coughed up and swallowed and the hatched larvae passed with feces. The eggs are
coughed up and swallowed with mucus and the L1 hatch out during their passage through the
gastrointestinal tract. The L1 are excreted in faeces. On pasture, the larvae moult into the Second
stage (L2) and develop further to the infective L3 (Shite, et al., 2015).

Figure 2:life cycle of D.filaria

2.4 Clinical sign

The clinical sign of lungworm infection may range from moderate, coughing, to marked increase
in respiratory rates accompanied by production losses (FOA, 1994). The disease is most
frequently seen in young animals. This clinical manifestation may vary from animal to animals
with the number of infecting worms (Kimberling, 1998). The most common signs are coughing
and unthriftness which is prevalent in endemic areas is usually confined to young animals. In
more severe case dyspnea and tenacious nasal discharge are also present. This signs may be

7
accompanied by diarrhea and anemia due to concurrent gastro-intestinal trichstrongylosis or
fasciolosis (Urquhart et al., 1996).

2.5 Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on history, clinical sign, epidemiology, presence of first stage larvae in faces,
and necropsy of animals in some herd or flock (Urquhart et al., 1996). A convenient method for
recovering of larvae is in the Baermin technique in which faces(3-5 gm) are wrapped in cheese
cloth and suspend or place in water container in conical flask. The water at the bottom of flask is
examined for the larvae after four hours, in heavy infection; may be present in 30 minutes but not
sever should be present after 24 hrs. The larvae (L1) of D. filaria differentiated from other two
lungworms by having characteristic cuticular knob at the anterior extremity, large size, dark
brown granular intestinal inclusion, and strait tail.

Adults of D. filaria are easily found in trachea and bronchi at the necropsy but the finding
immature stages usually necessitates dissection of pulmonary tissue and allowing it to set in
physiological saline (Howard, 1993). Febrile eggs may not be deposited in the air passage. For
this reason, the number of larvae in the feaces is often no indication of the degree of infestation
(Radostitis et al, 2005

2.6 Necropsy finding

At necropsy, most lesions are found in respiratory system with infection by D. filaria, the
bronchi, especially those of diaphragmatic lobes, contain tangled masses of worm mixed with
frothy exudates. Atelectasis and infected lobules often surround or extend ventrally from infected
bronchi. Bronchioles infected with P. rufescens often are closed with worms and exudates and
consequently affected lobules may be atelectatic and infected. Lungs infected with M. capillaris
contain red, gray or green nodules 1 to 2 mm in diameter. These lesions, located in sub-pleura of
diaphragmatic lobes, vary in consistency, number and shape (Kimberling, 1998). The nodules in
the lungs as the result of M. capillaris infection have the feeling of leads hot. Infection of goats
by M. capillaris leads to a diffuse infection quit different to the nodular reaction in sheep and to
the production of an intestinal pneumonia (Blood et al., 1989).

8
 2.7 Economic importance
Verminous pneumonia is caused by Dictyocaulus filaria of small ruminants is ubiquitous of
small parasitizes which has considerable economic repercussion all over the world. It is known
that heavy infection by Dictyocaulus filaria caused unthriftness, coughing, loss of weight or
reduced weight gain and respiratory system damage can be so severe to lead to the death (Bekele
et al., 1992). Heavy infection weakened the lungs and assists in reducing the general health and
resistance of the host (Soulsby, 1982).

2.8 Treatment
There are only a few drugs approved to treat parasites in sheep and goats. According to
Villarroel (2013) the effective drugs currently approved for use in sheep and goats for treatment
of lung worm are Albendazole, Ivermectin and Levamisole. ESGPIP (2007) also reported
Albendazole is active against nematodes such as trichostrongyles (round worms) and
Haemonchus, with the dosage 5 mg/kg for round worms and 10 mg/kg for flat worms
(trematodes), and Ivermectin is active against gastrointestinal and lung worms with
recommended dose of 0.2 mg / kg for sheep and goat

2.9 Prevention and control

According to Urquhart et al (1996), specific control measures should be applied in that flock
should be annually treated with suitable antihelimentics in late pregnancy. The ewe and lambs
should them be grazed on pasture which, in temperate areas at least, should not have been used
by sheep during the previous year. Animals must be removed from infected ground, place on dry
pastures and supplied with clean drinking water. Draining and resting of pasture during dry
summer kill larvae that readily survive cold winter. Moist pastures must be avoided, while dry
pastures are fairly safe because the infective are not very resistant to dryness (Uphadhayay,
2005).

9
10
 CHAPTER THREE

MATERIAL AND METHODS

3.1 Study Area

The study was conducted in the south Gondar administrative zone of amhra National Regional
state, North Central Ethiopia ,about 100 kilometers South east of Gondar and 50 kilometers East
of Lake Tana and 667 km away from Addis Ababa(the capital city of Ethiopia. The surface area
of Debre Tabor Town is about 31.87 km2. The study area extends between 11.83˚N to 11.87˚N
latitude and 37.98˚E to 38.03˚E longitude.

3.2 Study population

The study populations were all sheep which can come to in farta veterinary clinic in order to
diagnosis, get treatment, deworming or in other cases. Where they live under extensive and semi
intensive management system in small household flocks of mixed age groups and sexes. they are
all indigenous (local breed) were included in the study

3.3 Study Design

Across-sectional study was conducted from March, 2023 to June, 2023 to determine the
prevalence of lungworm infection and animals were selected by using simple random sampling
technique.

3.4 Sampling and Sample Size Determination

The sample size required in the study was calculated by using the formula given by (Thru field,
2005) for random sampling with 95% confidence interval,5% absolute precision and
50%expected prevalence as shown below

11
 n=(1.96)2×pexp×(1-pexp)
d2

Where, n=the required sample size

1.962=the value of z at confidence level

Pexp=expected prevalence(50%)

d=desired absolute precision level at 95%confidence interval(0.05)

n=1.962×0.5×(1-0.5) =384
0.0025

3.5 Sample Collection and Laboratory Technique

Fresh fecal samples were collected directly from rectum from individual sheep and immediately
transported to farta veterinary clinic Laboratory and processed by using Modified Barman
Techniques as described by Hansen and Perry Hansen (1994). Briefly, 5 gm of fecal sample was
wrapped in double layered gauze and suspended in beaker containing warm water using a clip
wire. The feces were partially immersed in the water and allowed to stand for 24 hours. Then
after the wrapped feces were removed and the supernatant discarded from the beaker, the
sediment was transferred to the petridish for examination of L1 under stereomicroscope. All
larvae were identified morphologically as described by previous workers (Anne and Zajac,
2006).

3.6 Data Analysis

The data was coded and entered to MS excel 2010 spread sheet. The data was analyzed by using
SPSS statistical software version 20. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression and Odd
ratio were used to see statically significant association between risk factors and occurrence of the
disease.

12
 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS

4.1. Prevalence of lung worm

Among 384 sheep 132 of them were infested by lung worm of nematodes. Then the overall
prevalence of the lung worm was 132/384 (34%)

4.2. Risk Factors of sheep lung worm

From the sex of animals higher prevalence of disease were recorded in female 73/205 (35.6%)
than male 59/179 (32.9%). Regarding to the age of animals higher prevalence were recorded in
adult 94/266 (35.3%) than young 38/118 (32%). From body conditions of animals higher
prevalence were recorded in poor 80/132 (60%) than medium 30/103 (29%) and good body
condition 22/149 (14.7%). Higher prevalence of sheep lung worm was observed in semi
intensive 85/255 (33%) than extensive farming system 47/129 (36%).High prevalence was
recorded in animals with history of coughing 71/161 (61%) than animals with no history of
coughing 61/223(27%).
Table 1: prevalence of sheep lungworm with different risk in debre tabor tow
Variables Categories No of No of Prevalence P -value

examined positive %
Sex Male 179 59 32.9 0.164
Female 205 73 35.6
Age Young 118 38 32
Adult 266 94 35.3 0.076
Body condition score Good 149 22 14.7
Medium 103 30 29
Poor 132 80 60 0.000**
Management system Semi intensive 255 85 33
Extensive 129 47 36 0.156
Coughing history Yes 161 71 61 0.003**
No 223 61 27
** Highly significant, respiratory sign and body condition

13
 CHAPTER FIVE

DISCUSSION

The result of the present study conducted from March, 2023 to June 2023 in and around debre
tabor town , south Gonder Zone indicated that lungworm infection is one of the most common
respiratory diseases of sheep with an overall prevalence of 132(34%). High prevalence of ovine
lungworm has been reported by other workers; 58.58% in and around Assela [Wondwossen, T.,
1992], 50% in Dessie and Kombolcha [Teffera, S., 1993], 59.4% in the Addis Ababa [Bekele, M.,
G. Feseha and T. Shibiru, 1981.] and 44.7% in Bahir Dar [Sisay, A., 1996.] compared to the
present study. The other options for variation may be due to the expansion of animal health
extension and veterinary services like intervention of nearby private veterinary drug shops/
pharmacies/. Contrary to the present finding, [ Sefinew, A., 1999] reported prevalence of 24.4%
in Wollo. This variation might be attributed to the differences in infestation level of the study
areas and the previous works might conducted in the dry season, low land areas, well managed
and treated animals.
The prevalence rate of lungworm infection was relatively higher in female (35.6%) than male
(32.9%) animal even if the difference is not statistically significant. Similar results that support
the present finding were reported by [Sisay, A., 1996. And Sefinew, A.1999]. The different
prevalence between female and male animals might be due the fact that the resistance to
infection decrease at the time of parturition and during early lactation in the case of female
animal. most males are kept for fattening to be sold later, thus, males receive more attention by
farmers.
With regard to age, adult animals were found more affected by lung worm infections than the
young with the prevalence of 35.3% and 32%. However, the difference was statistically
insignificant (p > 0.05). This result agrees with the previous study which was done in Northern
Ethiopia [Sefinew, et al., 2006]. This variation could be related with the adult animals moving
long distance for searching of feed which leads to exhaustion and loss of immunity /body
condition that potentially increase the susceptibility of animals.

The Present study showed that the prevalence of lungworm infection is higher in poor body
condition (60%) than medium (29%) and good (14.7%) and this may be due to the low level of

14
immunity in animals having poor body condition. the result is in agreement with the reports of
(Asaye and Alemneh, 2015 ; Fentahun, et al., 2012). Different prevalence was observed between
poor, Medium and good body conditioned animals and the difference was statistically
significant. Animals of good body condition are more able to resist lungworm infection than
others. Different prevalence was observed between poor, Medium and good body conditioned
animals and the difference was statistically significant. Animals of good body condition are more
able to resist lungworm infection than others.
The present study showed that, 27% of those apparently healthy sheep (no history of coughing)
and 61% of those showing clinical respiratory signs(coughing history) were infected with
lungworm infection with a statistical significant differences (P<0.05). th is finding agrees with the
result of (Eyob E, Matios L., 2013) who reported the higher prevalence of lungworm infection in the
animal showing clinical signs (86.8%) than apparently healthy(57.1%). the reason attributed for such
difference could be due to the stage of the parasite ( Flaser CM., 1991).

An infection rate of ovine lungworm was statistically analyzed on the basis management system
at the present study indicated that 36% extensive and 33% semi intensive. This result coincides
with that of the observation recorded by Sisay (1996) and Dhar (1982). The reason why sheep
which have extensive management type has the highest infection prevalence can be explained
due to the sheep in these management system that have higher chance to infested with larvae as
well as easily obtained D. filaria from the herbage (Radostitis, 1994; Souls, 1982). Another
possible explanation for the massive infection of sheep in extensive manage mental type is that
they were not supplied with appropriate nourishment which provides high computation, getting
wide of lungworm infection (Kimberting, 1988).

In conclusion, the result of present study indicated that lungworm is one of the most import
anthelminthosis of sheep in the study area and the prevalence of infection was higher in adult age
groups, female, poor body condition, extensive management, and those sheep that have detected
clinical respiratory signs or coughing history.(Table 1)

15
 CHAPTER SIX

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Small ruminant lungworm infections are found to be an important problem in the study area. The
present study Conducted on lungworm infection in and around debre tabor town showed that
lungworm is one of the prevalent diseases in sheep. Therefore during the control and treatment of
ovine lungworm infection respiratory sign and body condition should be considered as potential
risk factor for the occurrence of the disease. Further detail epidemiological and seasonal study
should be carried out, on lungworm infection so as to design appropriate control strategies on the
area.
Therefore, based on the above conclusion the following recommendation are forwarded
 The field veterinarians and stock owners should be aware of the importance and burdens
of lungworm in the area and an appropriate control and prevention measures should be
taken.
 Good management of small ruminant should be practiced.
 Further detail epidemiological and seasonal study should be carried out, so as to design
appropriate control strategies on the area.
 Young animal should be kept separately from adult animal
 Grazing on marshy area should be avoided or cutting or feeding strategy should be
Followed.
 Regular deworming should be practiced before and after rainy season.
 Newly introduced animal to the flock should be dewormed

16
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 ANNEXES

Annex 1. Body condition scoring

Condition1 Condition 2 (Thin) Condition 3 Condition 4 (Fat) Condition 5

(Emaciated) Spinous processes (Average) Spinous Spinous processes (Obese) Spinous
Spinous processes are sharp and processes are can be detected processes
are sharp and prominent. Loin eye smooth and only with pressure cannotbe
prominent. Loin muscle has little fat rounded and one as a hard line. detected. There
eye muscle is cover but is full. can feel individual Transverse is a depression
shallow with no Trans verse processes only with processes cannot between fat
fat cover. processes are pressure. be felt. Loin eye where spine
smooth and slightly muscle is full with would normally
rounded. It is a thick fat cover. befelt.
possible to pass Transverse
fingers under the processes cannot
ends of the be detected.
transverse processes Loin eye muscle
with a little pressure is very full with
a very thick fat
cover.

There foe I have taken or categories ovines with their body condition as :
BCs1 and BCs2=poor 2. BCs3=medium 3. BCs4 and 5=good
J. Thompson and H. Meyer Body condition scoring of sheep April 1994.

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Annex 2. Sample collected record forms

DEBRE TABOR UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL

SCIENCE department of veterinary science senior research daily sample collection data format.

CODE SE AGE BODY MANAGEMENT COUGHING LAB, RESULT

NO. X CONDITION SYSTEM HISTORY

Annex 3:Baerman techniques principle

 5 gm of fecal sample was wrapped in double layered gauze Suspended in beaker

containing warm water using a clip wire.
 The feces were partially immersed in the water and allowed to stand for 24 hours.
 Then after the wrapped feces were removed and the supernatant discarded from the
beaker,
 the sediment was transferred to the petridish
 examination of L1 under stereomicroscope

Annex 4. Baermann Technique materials and result vedio

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Approval sheet

Name of student;

Temesgen Yilak ID DTU12R/0688 Signature Date 19/10/2015 E.C

Title of thesis;

PREVALENCE AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTOR OF OVINE LUNG WORM IN AND AROUND
DEBRE TABOR TOWN, NORTH WEST ETHIOPIA

Advisor name: Dr. Desalew T. (DVM, MSC, assistance professor,

signature__________ Date ____________E.C

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