Analysis of 13 published anthelmintic sensitivity studies against gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes of small ruminants was conducted to describe anthelmintic use trends and resistance problems in Ethiopia. Anthelmentic use surveys in 5 small ruminant rearing areas indicated widespread risky practices including; marketing of unknown formulation drugs, professionally unsupervised prescription and use of drugs, inappropriate calculation of drug doses and exhaustive use of few drugs. Evidence of small ruminant GI nematode resistance to albendazole, levamisole, teramisole and ivermectin was aparent in 15 (32.9%), 5 (41.7%), 4 (25%) and 2 (13.3%) trials, respectively. Resistance to multiple antihelmintic families was recorded in 4 studies conducted at 2 experimental goat farms. The nematode populations implicated in resistance belonged to Haemonchus, Oesophagostomun, Trichostrongylus and Trichuris species. Small ruminant GI nematode resistance to the broad spectrum anthelmintics is a significant livelihood and economic threat in Ethiopia. Strategic effort aimed at halting the emergence and spread of anthelmintic resistance is urgently needed.

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites of sheep in ectoparasites controlled and uncontrolled areas, assess major risk factors and evaluate effects of ectoparasites on livelihood of farmer in ectoparasites controlled and uncontrolled areas of Arsi zone. A total of 969 sheep (646 sheep from controlled and 323 sheep from uncontrolled areas) were examined for ectoparasites. From controlled 371 (57.43%) and from uncontrolled area 285 (88.24%) were found to be infested with ectoparasites. The ectoparasites identified in controlled area were B. ovis 48.9%, Linognathus spp 0.93%, sheep keds 7.4%, 2.32% B. decoloratus, 1.46% A. variegatum, 1.08% A. gemma, 4.59% R. evertsi evertsi, and 0.31% mixed ticks infestation and 12.5% mixed infestation with various ectoparasites. Similarly from uncontrolled area identified B. ovis 81.4%, Linognathus spp 0.9%, 1.79% B. decoloratus, 2.62% A. variegatum, 9.29% R. evertsi evertsi, 4.3% mixed ticks infestation and 32.2% mixed infestation. The risk of ectoparasites infestation of sheep in uncontrolled area was 5.644 times higher than in controlled (OR=5.644). Significantly higher prevalence of ectoparasites in the uncontrolled area than controlled was recorded. The risk of lice, keds and tick infestations in uncontrolled area was 7.061, 3.836 and 2.074 times higher than controlled areas respectively. Poor animal management and weak animal health services were believed to have attributed for widespread distribution of ectoparasites. The effectiveness of ectoparasites control in selected zones of Oromiya region is also under question the. The growing threat of ectoparasites to sheep population in the study areas requires well-coordinated control intervention.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in cattle slaughtered at Adama municipal abattoir in southwest Shoa zone of Oromia region to estimate the prevalence of bovine cystiercosis using routine meat inspection method and questionnaire surveys were undertaken to assess the status of human taeniosis and associated risk factors. Out of 384 carcasses examined, 2.6% were to be infected with Cysticercus bovis (C. bovis). Among positive cases for C. bovis, 78% were viable while it was more prevalent in the tongue and triceps muscle (40%, 24%) than in the liver masseter muscle (10% 6%) respectively. Based on the questionnaire survey, Taenia saginata (T. saginata) is a wide spread problem in Adama town where Out of 200 respondents 44% of the respondents had contracted T. saginata at least once in the past years. The prevalence of taeniosis was significantly higher (p<0.000) in the raw meat consumers as compared to those consuming cooked meat. The annual taenicidal drug treatment cost by prescription in the study area from 2012-2014 was 378,609.66 Ethiopian birr which is equivalent to 18930.48 USD. The drug inventory clearly demonstrated the economic significance of T. saginata in the study area. Among respondents 85% of them do have a knowledge that taeniosis is a zoonotic disease transmitted through consumption of raw beef meat. In conclusion, C. bovis and T. saginata are among important health zoonotic cestodes in the study areas. Improvement in meat inspection procedures and sanitary conditions as well as public education as to decrease negligence among public should get due attention.