Study on the Prevalence of Melophagus Ovinus (Sheep Ked) In Berehet Woreda, Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of sheep ked was conducted in Berehet Woreda from December 2016 to June 2017 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) and appraises potential risk factors of their attachment to sheep. Out of 384 sheep examined 7.55% were infested with Melophagus ovinus ( M. ovinus). The overall prevalence of M. ovinus infestation was statistically significantly difference (p < 0.05) among peasant association (χ2 = 11.770; P= 0.0381), hair type (χ2 = 4.2649; P= 0.0389); agro-climate regions (χ2 = 6.855; P= 0.0325) and sheep ked prevalence statistically not significantly difference (P> 0.05) on sex (χ2 = 0.3588; P= 0.5492) and age group (χ2 = 0.670; P= 0.7155) categories of sheep. The sixth peasant association (Fura, Gorgo, Danceye, Geberoch, Wura, and Wane) infestation rate indicated as higher in Fura (13.85%) followed by Gorgo (11.86%) and lower in Wane (5.41%) and Wura (4.92%). In conclusion, small ruminants (sheep) are reared; the importance of ectoparasites (sheep ked) should be considered as it result a great economic losses, the impact of the disease caused by external parasites is severely limiting the performance of the tanning industries, which in turn affect the country’s foreign currency warranted an urgent control intervention. Therefore: effective extension system and programs that could raise public awareness on how to care and handle their animals. Control programs should be designed and implemented with the participation of all stakeholders (farmers, tanners, government, privet sectors and veterinarians). Further studies should be conducted on the epidemiology of ectoparasites and skin disease in different agroecology parts of the country. Keywords: Ked; Prevalence; Sheep; Berehet Wored