Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Calves Coccidiosis in Honkolo Wabe District of East Arsi Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2016 up to April 2017 in Honkolo Wabe district of East Arsi Zone to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of coccidial infection in calves. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 384 calves between the ages of 2 months to 1 year. Samples were examined for the presence of coccidial oocyst by flotation techniques. Out of the 384 calves examined, 206 (53.6%) were positive for coccidial infection test. Coccidia prevalence varied (P<0.05) among location, and hygienic status and age of the calves. Greater infection rate was detected in calves kept under poor (62.9%) as compared to medium (54.1%) and good (19.3%) hygienic status. Calf under the age category of 6-12 months recorded higher (64.3%) infection rate than calf less than 6 months of age (42.2%). There was high infection rate in poor (58.7%) than medium (50.7%) and good (45.5%) body condition calves in magnitude. In conclusion, calf coccidiosis severely affects the productivity of livestock in the area. Hence, appropriate disease prevention and control measures are required to reduce its effect.