Prevalence of External Injuries in Working Donkeys in and Around Mekelle, Northern Ethiopia

The study conducted from November 2007-April 2008 in and around Mekelle, to determine the magnitude of external injuries in donkeys was revealed that 39.64 %overall prevalence from 978 randomly selected donkeys. There is a significant variation between two veterinary clinics (X 2=11.23, P< 0.05) that influenced the occurrence of external injuries; higher prevalence was recorded in Quiha Veterinary clinic (42.23%, odds ratio 3.94, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] =1.11-4.35) than Mekelle Veterinary clinic (29.81 %). Injuries with age related problem also observed during the study. Higher prevalence was recorded in adult donkeys (47.09%, X 2=313, P< 0.05, OR=11.09, CL=1.045-1.37) than younger (17.71%). Distribution of external injuries on body parts were showed significant variation (X 2=239.67, P< 0.05), back /loin (41.72%) injury was significantly higher than other body parts. Improper harness and saddle design were significantly higher (X 2=386.687, P< 0.05) and observed as major cause of external injury at the study area. The study also indicated the intensity of injuries; a significantly higher proportion (X 2=188.32, P< 0.05) as severely (62.72%), moderately (27.97%) and (9.84%) mildly injuries. Generally this study showed external injuries as a major health problem of donkeys in the study area. So a comprehensive donkey health and welfare promotion program is important to alleviate the problem. Key words: Prevalence; External injury; Cause; Donkeys; Mekelle