Ectoparasites are Major Skin Diseases of Dogs in Gondar, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

A cross sectional study was conducted from November, 2010 to April, 2011 in the Amhara regional state, Gondar town. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites, determine associated risk factors and identify the most important ectoparasites species of dogs. Skin scrapings for mange mite suspected cases and collection of ectoparasites for lice, fleas and ticks was done using simple random technique. Age, sex, breed and coat color were considered as risk factors. SPSS version 17 (2004) was used for chi- square test and P-value <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. A total of 386 dogs were routinely examined in 21 kebeles. Of these 342 (88.6%) were positive to one or more ectoparasites. Ctenocephalides felis was the most prevalent species that account 56.5% (218/386) followed by Ctenocephalides canis which was 14.8% (57/386). There was a statistical significant difference (χ2= 293.6, p<0.05) for coat colors in which the highest prevalence was observed in brown (100%) followed by black colored dogs (93.75%). However, there was no statistical significant difference observed between sex, age and breed (χ2 = 23.3, 41.5 and 18.56 respectively; p>0.05). Ectoparasites were found more prevalent in female dogs (91.8%) than males (87.1%). For age groups of 8-18 months it was 96.6% prevalent and in local breeds it was found 90.3% prevalence. In conclusion, dogs were highly exposed to ectoparasites and hence ectoparasites were serious dermatologic problems in Gondar.