Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of lice in Small Ruminants in and around Ambo District

This study was conducted from November 2015 to April 2016 with the aim of studying the prevalence of lice of economic importance in small ruminants in and around Ambo Woreda. A total of 384 (156 sheep and 228 goats) were included in this study. Out of these animals 143 (37.2%) animals were found being infested with one or more species of lice. Of a total of examined animals; 75 (48.1%) of sheep and 68 (29.8%) of goats were positive for lice. The lice recorded 34.0% Damalinia species, 5.1% Linognathus species and 9.0% mixed species in sheep
and 29.8% Linognathus species in goats. This study has revealed that lice were the predominant ectoparasites in goats; The Damalinia species was higher significant prevalent in female than male animals however linognathus was higher significant prevalent in young than adult animals
(p<0.05). the poor body condition score animals were higher infested with both species of lice (p<0.05). The present study has shown that lice are among important causes of skin damage which is likely to cause significant economic loss. To reduce this loss management practices
should be put in the place to control infestations of valuable animals.