Volume 10, Issue 5: 203-209; September 27, 2020  
ISSN 2228-7701  
PREVALENCE OF ECTOPARASITES IN SMALL RUMINANTS  
(CASE: AFAR REGION OF ETHIOPIA)  
Endris FEKI1 , Solomon GEBRE2, Ayalew SHUMET3, Yimer GOBENA3, Hussen MOHAMMED3 and Ashenafi EBREGERGIOUS3  
1Afar Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Research Institute, Afar, Semera, P.O.Box 16, Ethiopia  
2National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Centre (NADIC), Sebeta, P.O. Box 4, Ethiopia  
3Samara Regional Veterinary Laboratory, Afar, Semera, P.O. Box 33, Ethiopia  
Email: endrisf@yahoo.com  
Supporting Information  
ABSTRACT: A study was conducted from August 2016 to November 2017 to investigate the prevalance of major  
ectoparasites of small ruminant and associated risk factors in fourteen districts found in the three Zones of Afar  
Regional State of Ethiopia. A total of 5376 small ruminants were examined to determine the prevalence of ecto-  
parasites, includes 3696 goats and 1680 sheep. 1443 (39.00%) goats and 839 (49.90%) sheep were found  
infested with different ectoparasites. The result of the study showed that statically significant difference was  
found between species of sheep and goats in related to ectoparasite infestation. The overall prevalence of  
ectoparasite indiocates that 2282 (42.45%) small ruminants were infested by ectoparasites. The most common  
ectoparasites encountered in order of their predominance were 1968 (36.6%), 155 (2.88%), 105 (1.95%) and  
54 (0.56 %) ticks, mange mites, lice and flea infestation, respectively. In the present study, five genera of ticks  
(Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Amblyomma and Boophilus), two genera of lice (Linognathus and Damalina) three  
genera of mites (Sarcoptes, Demodex and Psoroptes), and one genera of flea ctenocephalides were identified  
on the study animals. Rhipicephalus, Hylomma, Boophilus, Ambylomma was identified as the predominant  
genera. The prevalence of ectoparasite infestation for different age groups, sex and body condition score were  
found to vary significantly. In conclusion, among ectoparasites species recorded in the area ticks was found to  
be highly prevalent in sheep and goats. Tick was predominant followed by mite, lice and flea. The present study  
revealed an overall ectoparasite prevalence of 2282 (42.45%) in both small ruminant species. Of this, 839  
(49.9%) and 1443 (39%) was in sheep and goats, respectively. It also revealed that ticks, mites, lice and fleas  
are common ectoparasites in the study area. to reduce high prevalence of ectoparasites and their impact on the  
productivity in small ruminants requires immediate attention, control interventions.  
Keywords: Ectoparasite, Ethiopia, Prevalence, Ruminant, Ticks.  
INTRODUCTION  
In Ethiopia, sheep and goats contribute a substantial proportion of the nation's meat supply and milk. The total numbers  
of sheep and goats in Ethiopia are estimated about 25.5 and 23.4 million respectively (CSA, 2003). Sheep and goats  
constitute about 30% of the total livestock population of the country. Gryscels and Anderson (1993) and are among  
important contributors to food production in Ethiopia, providing 35% of meat consumption and 14% of milk consumption  
Small ruminants are source of income for agricultural community and are also one of Ethiopia’s major sources of  
foreign currency through exportation of live animals, meat and skin (Dessie et al, 2010; Mekuria et al., 2018). However in  
Ethiopia, contribution of sheep and goats to food production, rural and export income are far below the expected  
potential. This is because small ruminant production in Ethiopia is constrained by the compound effects of diseases, poor  
feeding and poor management (Kassa, 2005 and Ayele et al, 2003). Ecto-parasites including ticks, lice, mites etc. play an  
important role in the transmission of certain diseases (Mohd Zain et al., 2015). Infested animals scratch, rub and bite the  
affected areas and this end up with skin damage (Seyoum et al., 2015). Moreover, infected ruminants are the most  
important vectors of protozoan, bacterial, viral and rickettsial diseases (Radostits et al, 2007; Rhabari et al, 2009 and  
The increasing severity and periodic rapid spread of the ecto-parasites and skin diseases in the Afar Region  
demanded that the different institutes to conduct a survey to characterize the true status of ecto-parasites and skin  
diseases problem and recommend possible control measures: Therefore, the objective of this study was:  
. To identify different types of ecto-parasites and associated risk factors in small ruminants.  
. To determine the prevalence ecto-parasites in sheep and goats.  
. To recommend possible control and prevention measures of ecto-parasites in the region (Radostits et al, 2007;  
So, aim of present study was investigating the prevalance of major ectoparasites of small ruminant and associated  
risk factors in fourteen districts found in the three Zones of Afar Regional State of Ethiopia.  
203  
Citation: Feki E, Gebre S, Shumet A, Gobena Y, Mohammed H, Gebregergious A (2020). Prevalence of ectoparasites in small ruminants (case: afar region of Ethiopia).  
Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 203-209.  
MATERIALS AND METHODS  
Study areas  
The study was carried out in fourteen districts selected from zone one, four and five of Afar regional state, namely;  
Five districts of Zone 1 (AwsiRasu) namely (Afambo, Chifra, Ayssaita, Dubti, Mile), four districts of Zone 5 (HariRasu),  
(Telalak, Dewe, Hadalella & Dalifage) and Five districts of Zone 4 (FantenaRasu), (Golina, Awra, Ewa, Yalo & Teru) were  
selected for this study. The livestock population in the Afar region estimated at 3.6 million cattle, 2 million sheep, 3  
million goats, 0.9 million camels and 0.2 million equines (ERIPAE, 2000). The Afar National Regional State is  
characterized by an arid and semi-arid climate with low and erratic rainfall. The altitude of the region ranges from 120m  
below sea level to 1500m above sea level. Temperatures vary from 200C in higher elevations to 480C in lower elevations.  
Rainfall is bi-modal throughout the region with a mean annual rainfall below 500 mm in the semi-arid western  
escarpments and decreasing to 150 mm in the arid zones to the east. The production system of the Afar region is  
dominated by pastoralist (90%) from which agro-pastoralist (10%) is now emerging following some permanent and  
temporary rivers on which small scale irrigation is developed. The season are traditionally classified as kerma (July-  
September), which is the long rainy season; sugum (March-April), which is the short rainy season; hagai (May-June) which  
is the hot dry spell; and gilal (October-February) which is the cool season. Gilal is sometimes interrupted by rains in  
January and February.  
Animals and sampling  
A cross-sectional study was used to investigate the occurrence of ecto-parasites in sheep, goats and associated risk  
factors. The study was conducted from August-2016 to November-2017, from the three zonal administrations 14  
/fourteen districts/were selected for this study. The study districts selected based on the inclusion criteria on the high  
sheep and goats population, extent of parasite infection and infestation, accessibility of their Peasant associations and  
willingness of the pastoralists to participate in the survey. The studied animals were randomly selected using a systematic  
sampling technique from traditionally managed sheep and goats populations in the respective districts. The studied  
population was indigenous breed of sheep and goats kept under pastoral type of production which allows free grazing,  
usually mixed with other animals.  
Sample size determination  
Sample size was determined as described by Thrusfield (2005). Accordingly, 50% expected prevalence of  
ectoparasites infestations in each study agro-ecology, 5% acceptable error and 95% confidence level was applied to  
determine the sample size of study sheep and goats in each study agro-ecology.  
n = 1.962pexp (1-pexp)  
d2  
Where n = sample size, d = desired absolute precision (0.05), Pex = expected prevalence (50%), thus the desired  
sample size for Pex = 0.05 is n = 384. Sampling was 384 from each district. Proportionally distributed based on the total  
large ruminant population in the study districts and PAs.  
Data collection  
Data was collected such as species type, age, sex, and body condition score. The ages of the animals were  
estimated using the definition described by Aiello and Mays (1998). When lambs and kids were less than 6 month old,  
they were considered as “young animals” whereas when small ruminants were more than 6 month old they were included  
in the “adult” group. And also the age determine by using dental formula. Body condition scores will be determined by  
modifying the system of Gatenby (2002) animals either poor or good body condition.  
Sample collection and handling procedure  
During clinical examination the skin will be palpated across all parts of the animal for the presence of ectoparasites,  
and gross lesions suggestive of a clinical form of parasitic infestations. Animals found infested will be considered positive.  
From sheep and goats ticks, lice and fleas were collected with forceps from their predilection sites of attachment. The  
ticks were removed from the host skins whilst retaining their mouth parts for identification using forceps. Coat brushing  
techniques was used for collection of lice. They will be placed in labeled universal bottles containing 70% ethanol and  
identified under a stereoscopic microscope according to the descriptions of ticks (Walker et al., 2003). When skin lesions  
were evidenced skin scraping from suspected cases of mange were collected and preserved in 10% formalin. Mite  
identification was made according to Wall and Shearer (2001) and Taylor et al. (2007).  
Ethical Regulation  
Handling, sampling and all of animal related cantacts were in according to ethical regulation standart of Pastoral  
and Agro-pastoral Research Institute of Ethiopia.  
Statistical analysis  
The collected data were entered in Microsoft excel. An intercooled Stata 7 software (Stata Corporation, 2001)  
statistical program was employed for the data analysis. The prevalence of tick was determined by dividing the number of  
204  
Citation: Feki E, Gebre S, Shumet A, Gobena Y, Mohammed H, Gebregergious A (2020). Prevalence of ectoparasites in small ruminants (case: afar region of Ethiopia).  
Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 203-209.  
positive samples by the total sample size, and was expressed as percentage. Chi-square (χ2) test was used to assess if  
there was a statistically significant difference in tick infestation with in different groups. For this analysis P-value less than  
0.05 was considered significant.  
Figure 1 - Map of study districts in the region. * National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Centre (NADIC) GIS, 2019  
RESULTS and DISCUSSION  
Prevalence of ecto-parasites disease  
A total of 5376 small ruminants were examined to determine the prevalence of ecto-parasites infestation in 14  
districts of Afar region. Of these, 2282 (42.45%) were infested by ecto-parasites identified. The overall prevalence of  
ectoparasites was higher in sheep than goats (Table 1). Ticks were identified as the predominant ectoparasites in small  
ruminants followed by mite, lice and Flea infestations (Table 2). The total number of ectoparasites collected were 2282  
(42.45 %). Of these 1968 (36.6%), 155 (2.88%), 105 (1.95 %) and 54 (0.56 %) accounted for tick, mange mites, lice and  
flea infestation, respectively (Table 2).  
Table 1 - Prevalence of ectoparasites in small ruminants of Afar region, Ethiopia  
Parasites states of the area  
P-  
value  
Characteristics  
Animals  
COR (95% CI)  
P-value  
0.0001  
AOR (95% CI)  
Positive  
Negative  
2253(61%)  
841(50.1%)  
Goats  
Sheep  
1443(39%)  
1
1
0.001  
839(49.9%)  
1.558 (1.387, 1.750)  
0.642(0.572, 0.721)  
*statically significant P<0.05. COR: Crude odd ratios and AOR: Adjusted odds ratios. CI: confidence interval.  
Table 2 - Percentage of ectoparasites prevalence found in small ruminants in the Afar region, Ethiopia  
Ectoparasites  
No. of positive shoats  
%
Tick  
Mange  
Lice  
Flea  
1968  
155  
105  
54  
36.61  
2.88  
1.95  
0.56  
42.41  
Total ecoparasites count  
2282  
Prevalence of ectoparasites by Genus level  
In the present study four genera of ticks (Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Boophilus and Amblyomma, three genera of  
mites (sarcoptes, Demodex and Psoroptes), two genera lice (Linognathus and Damalina) and one genera of flea  
Ctenocephalides were identified. Of the total of 3696 goats and 1680 sheep examined for the infestation of ticks, mite,  
lice and flea; 1968 (36.61%), 155 (2.88%), 105 (1.95%), 54(0.56%) of shoats were infested with these ectoparasites  
respectively (Table 3).  
205  
Citation: Feki E, Gebre S, Shumet A, Gobena Y, Mohammed H, Gebregergious A (2020). Prevalence of ectoparasites in small ruminants (case: afar region of Ethiopia).  
Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 203-209.  
Prevalence of ecto-parasites at species level  
Nine species of ticks which belong to the five genera were identified. Rhipicephaluspulchellus, 599 (11.14%)  
Rhipicephalus evertsi, 495 (9.21%) and Rhipicephalus Pravus, 191 (3.55%) were the dominant ones. Mange mites genera  
identified were; Sarcoptes 77 (1.43%), Psoroptes 48 (0.89%) and Demodex 30 (0.56%). The most prevalent lice species  
found on animals were Damalina ovis, 33 (1.96%), Linognathus ovis, 20 (1.19%) on sheep and Linognathus caprae, 28  
(0.76%) and Damalina caprae, 24 (0.65%) on goats. The overall prevalence of Ctenocephalidia was 22 (0.48%) in sheep  
and goats (Table 4).  
Table 3 - Prevalence of ectoparasites at the genus level  
Goat 3696  
Prevalence  
918 (23.94%)  
126 (3.41 %)  
109 (2.95%)  
97 (2.62%)  
1250 (33.82%)  
67 (1.81%)  
16(0.43%)  
26 (0.70%)  
109 (2.95%)  
24 (0.65%)  
28 (0.76%)  
52 (1.41%)  
32 (0.60%)  
32 (0.60%)  
1443 (39.00%)  
Sheep1680  
Prevalence  
528 (31.43%)  
72 (3.92%)  
56 (3.33%)  
62 (3.69%)  
718 (42.74%)  
10 (0.60%)  
32 (1.90%)  
4 (0.24%)  
46 (2.74%)  
33 (1.96%)  
20 (1.19%)  
53 (3.15%)  
22 (0.48%)  
22 (0.48%)  
839 (49.90%)  
Shoat 5376  
Prevalence  
Types  
Genus  
Rhipicephalus  
Hyalomma  
Boophilus  
Amblyomma  
Sub total  
Sarcoptes  
Psoroptes  
Demodex  
1446 (26.90%)  
198 (3.68%)  
165 (3.07%)  
159 (2.96%)  
1968 (36.61%)  
77 (1.43%)  
48 (0.89%)  
30 (0.56%)  
155 (2.88%)  
57 (1.06%)  
48 (0.89%)  
Ticks  
Mite  
Sub total  
Damalinia  
Linognathus  
Sub total  
Lice  
Flea  
105 (1.95%)  
54 (0.56%)  
Ctenocephalides  
Sub total  
54 (0.56%)  
Total  
2282 (42.45%)  
Table 4- Prevalence of tick species in small ruminants of Afar region, Ethipia  
Goat 3697  
Prevalence  
Sheep 1679  
Prevalence  
213 (12.68 %)  
198 (11.79%)  
60 (3.57%)  
57 (3.39%)  
528 (31.43%)  
42 (2.50%)  
17 (1.01%)  
13 (0.77%)  
72 (3.92%)  
56 (3.33%)  
56 (3.33%)  
Shoats 5376  
Prevalence  
Genera and species of ecto-parasites  
Pulchellus  
Evertsi evertsi  
Pravus  
Praetexatus  
Over all  
Truncatum  
Dromedarii  
Anatolicum anatolicum  
Over all  
386 (10.44%)  
297 (8.04%)  
131 (3.54%)  
104 (2.81%)  
918 (24.84%)  
72 (1.95%)  
39 (1.06%)  
15 (0.41%)  
126 (3.41%)  
109 (2.95%)  
109 (2.95%)  
599 (11.14%)  
495 (9.21%)  
191 (3.55%)  
161 (2.99%)  
1446 (26.90%)  
114(2.12%)  
56 (1.04%)  
Rhipicephalus  
Hyalomma  
28 (0.52%)  
198 (3.68%)  
165 (3.07%)  
165 (3.07%)  
Decoloratus  
Over all  
Boophilus  
Gemma  
Variegatum  
Over all  
80 (2.16%)  
17 (0.46%)  
97 (2.62%)  
54 (3.21%)  
8 (0.48%)  
62 (3.69%)  
134 (2.49%)  
25 (0.47%)  
159 (2.96%)  
Amblyomma  
Prevalence of ectoparasites in sheep and goats by different host related factors  
An effort was made to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in relation to different host factors such as sex,  
age, and body condition scores. The result is presented in table 5. In regard to sex, male small ruminants were more  
infested (64%) than females (23.6%) and this was found to be statistically significant (Table 5). The result shows statically  
different (P0.05). The prevalence of infestation with different ectoparasites age and body condition score groups. The  
study revealed a higher prevalence in male, adult age groups and poor body condition score animals higher than good  
body condition (Table 5).  
Table 5 - Prevalence of ectoparasites in sheep and goats by different host related factors.  
Status of parasites  
Characteristics  
COR (95%CI)  
p-value  
Positive  
Negative  
Female  
Male  
678 (23.6%)  
2191 (76.4%)  
1
Sex  
< 0.001 a  
1604 (64%)  
500 (30%)  
903 (36%)  
1168 (70%)  
1926 (51.9%)  
5.740 (5.098, 6.463)  
1
Young  
Old  
Age  
BCS  
< 0.001 a  
< 0.001 a  
1782 (48.1%)  
2.161 (1.911, 2.444)  
Poor  
2244 (90.9%)  
38 (1.3%)  
225 (9.1%)  
1
Good  
2869 (98.7%)  
0.001 (0.001, 0.002)  
*With in different row a common superscript statically significant (P<0.05).  
206  
Citation: Feki E, Gebre S, Shumet A, Gobena Y, Mohammed H, Gebregergious A (2020). Prevalence of ectoparasites in small ruminants (case: afar region of Ethiopia).  
Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 203-209.  
A total of 3697 goats and 1679 sheep were examined for the infestation of ectoparasites. The overall prevalence of  
ectoparasite infestation in the present study was found to be 2282 (42.45%). The present finding of ectoparasites in the  
study area was lower than the prevalence study reported from Zone four of Afar region by Fikre et al. (2015), with the  
prevalence of 94.62% and 91.86% in sheep and goats respectively. Bekele et al. (2011) reported the prevalence of  
99.38% and 96.92% in sheep and goats respectively in Wolmera districts of Oromia region central Ethiopia; Tewodros et  
al (2012) stated prevalence of 80.97% in sheep and 72.07% in goats around Gonder town, Ethiopia. Our findings showed  
higher than the result explained by Teshome (2002) that stated the prevalence of 23.8% in sheep and 16% in goats and  
15.41% and Yacob et al. (2008). In addition the present study revealed that there is a significant variation in the  
prevalence of ectoparasites among the animal species, sex of animals, age groups and body conditions of the animals  
(Table 1, 5 and 6). The rates of infection in this survey were relatively more in sheep (49.9%) than goats (39.0%) which  
agree with a study conducted by Yacob et al. (2008) that in Wolaita Soddo region reported that the rate of infestation by  
ectoparasites higher in sheep than goats 68.7% and 28.4%, respectively. Similarly also, the host differences reported in  
present region by Fikre et al. (2015), that is (94.62%) sheep and (91.86%) goats were found infested with ectoparasites.  
But, Due to this goats appeared to be significantly more resistant than sheep. The result is in goat lower because of their  
self-grooming, licking, scratching, rubbing and grazing behaviors, which would contribute to rapid ectoparasite  
elimination, management practice and in the environmental conditions.  
These study shows that ticks, mite, lice, flea; 1968 (36.61%), 155 (2.88%), 105 (1.95%), 54(0.56%) of shoats were  
infested with above-mentioned of these ectoparasites, respectively. Ticks were found to be the most prevalent  
ectoparasites in both sheep and goats throughout the study areas. The present result indicates that infestation still need  
more efforts to achieve expected control result and reduction of impact excreted by ticks but on the other hand others  
ectoparasite species like mite, lice and flea infestation result is reduced on the present study result. A relative low  
prevalence of tick infestation (31.8%) in sheep and (18.6%) in goats were reported by Teshome (1994) and were as low  
result were reported by Zelalem (1994), 23.8% in sheep 16% in goats from the Sidama Zone in Southern Ethiopia.  
Different study indicated that ectoparasites affected both sexes. In this study, a higher prevalence of ectoparasite  
infection was in male sex group (64%) than female sex group (23.6%) and this was significantly (P<0.05) different (Table  
5). Similarly, Tewodros (2012) reported higher ectoparasite prevalence was observed in male than female and also the  
result collaborated with those reported by Abebe et al. (2011) and Sertse and Wossene A. (2007). However, dissimilar to  
the previous reports of Yacob et al. (2008), was also noticed that females were significantly more frequently affected than  
males (75.45% vs. 61.54%): The variation compare with our findings is due to areas of people use one male for many  
flocks of sheep and goats in the areas, due to this the males has opportunity to frequent contact with infested goats and  
sheep.  
In present study the prevalence of ectoparasites of adult age group (48.1%) was higher than young age group (30%)  
higher in adult (96.91% in sheep ,93.83% in goat) than young, and (88.52% in sheep, 86.25% in goat) respectively. The  
result dissimilar with the result of Yakob et al. (2008), that reported the prevalence of 53% and 15% for adult and young  
age group small ruminants in Wolaita Sodo, respectively. This is may be due to differences to infection as a result of  
variation in also the management system where animals are allowed to graze together in communal fields.  
Concerning the prevalence of different ectoparasites high infested in poor body conditions than that of good body  
condition of small ruminants. Our findings showed that the prevalence of poor body condition (90.9%) and good body  
condition (1.3%; Table 5). Present finding is similar with results reported by Madeira et al. (2000), Sertse and Wessene  
Table 6 - Prevalence of ectoparasites in different districts  
Zone  
Districts  
Positive  
Negative  
COR (95%CI)  
p-value  
Ewa  
188 (49.0%)  
150 (39.1%)  
147 (38.3%)  
108 (28.1%)  
88 (22.9%)  
196 (51%)  
234 (60.9)  
1.099 (0.828, 1.458)  
0.734 (0.551, 0.978)  
0.710 (0.533, 0.947)  
0.448 (0.332, 0.605)  
0.340 (0.249, 0.465)  
0.775 (0.582, 1.032)  
1
0.827 (0.622, 1.100)  
0.642 (0.481, 0.858)  
0.687 (0.515, 0.916)  
0.516a  
0.035 a  
0.020 a  
0.001b  
0.001c  
0.005b  
0.000d  
0.191a  
0.003e  
0.011a  
Awra  
Gulina  
Yallo  
Zone 4 (Fantena Rasu)  
237(61.7%)  
276 (71.9%)  
296 (77.1%)  
229 (59.6%)  
205 (53.4%)  
223 (58.1%)  
246 (64.1%)  
240 (62.5%)  
Teru  
Afambo  
Asayta  
Dubti  
Mille  
155 (40.4%)  
179 (46.6%)  
161 (41.9%)  
138 (35.9%)  
144 (37.5%)  
Zone 1 (Awsi Rasu)  
Zone 5 (Hari Rasu),  
Chifra  
Telalak  
188 (49.0%)  
196 (51.0%)  
1.099 (0.828, 1.458)  
0.516a  
Dewe  
Dalifage  
Hadelela  
250 (65.1%)  
197 (51.3%)  
189 (49.2%)  
134 (34.9%)  
187 (48.7%)  
195 (50.8%)  
2.137 (1.598, 2.856)  
1.206 (0.909, 1.602)  
1.110 (0.836, 1.473)  
0.000b  
0.194a  
0.470a  
Different superscripts within subgroup represent statically significance of difference prevalence P<0.05. COR: Crude odd ratios. CI: confidence  
interval.  
207  
Citation: Feki E, Gebre S, Shumet A, Gobena Y, Mohammed H, Gebregergious A (2020). Prevalence of ectoparasites in small ruminants (case: afar region of Ethiopia).  
Online J. Anim. Feed Res., 10(5): 203-209.  
 
CONCLUSION  
Its concluded that, among ectoparasites species recorded in the area ticks was found to be highly prevalent in sheep and  
goats tick was predominant followed by mite, lice and flea. The present study revealed an overall ectoparasite prevalence  
of 2282 (42.45%) in both small ruminant species. Of this, 839 (49.9%) and 1443 (39%) was in sheep and goats,  
respectively. It also revealed that ticks, mites, lice and fleas are common ectoparasites in the study area.  
It is suggested that, due to this higher economic losses occur through animal deaths and damages of the skin.  
Hence, the following recommendations are forwarded:  
.
Treatment campaign needs to cover of all affected areas and population of small ruminants because of free  
livestock movement in the region for grazing and watering.  
Sustainable veterinary services and improved management practice and well-coordinated control interventions  
and Strong monitoring and evaluation measures during the control campaign is very essential.  
It is valuable to implement effective Extension services and training programs aiming at awareness creation  
about the importance and control of ecto-parasites for livestock owners is very important.  
Moreover further epidemiological investigation is needed in the study area.  
.
.
.
DECLARATIONS  
Acknowledgements  
The authors would like to thank National Animal Health Diagnostic and Investigation Centre (NADIC) for financial  
support to execute this research work.  
Authors’ contribution  
All authors contributed equally to this research work. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.  
Availability of data and materials  
Data will be made available up on request of the primary author  
Consent to publish  
Not applicable.  
Competing interests  
The data can be available to the journal upon request.  
Conflict of interest  
The authors declare they have no competing of interests.  
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