Milkessa Balcha
Ethiopia -
Published in 2021
- Survey on Bovine Trypanosomosis and Trypanosomal Drug Management Practices in Goma District Jimma Zone South Western Ethiopia
- Authors: Milkessa Tessema Balcha, Dinka Ayana, Hagos Ashenafi and Samuel Edosa Kitila
- Journal: Global Veterinaria
- Description:
- The present study was conducted in Goma district of Jimma zone south western Ethiopia from November 2011 to April 2012. The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis and trypanocidal drug management practice. For this purpose blood samples from a total of552 cattle randomly selected indigenous zebu cattle were taken and examined with hematological and parasitological techniques. Among the total cattle examined 31 (5.6%) were found positive for trypanosomosis infection. Most of trypanosome positive cases were due to Trypanosoma congolense which accounted for83.8% and T. vivax which was 12.9%. The prevalence of T. congolense and T. vivax in cattle showed no significant difference between sexes (P > 0.05). However, there was statistically significant difference betweendifferent body condition and age groups (P < 0.05). Mean packed cell volume (PCV) of parasitaemic animalswere significantly lower than those of aparasitaemic animals (P< 0.05). On the other hand, a questionnaire wasadministered in individual involving 100 respondent farmers. Based on this questionnaire survey bout 78 % ofthe respondents said that they got trypanocidal drugs from veterinary clinics. The common trypanocidal drugsin the area are Diminazeneaceturate, Isometamidium chloride and Homidium chloride. In the area there issmuggling of trypanocidal drugs by individuals who lacks knowledge on how to use the drug with its properdosage and treatment was carried out by un trained local farmers. In general, the current findings revealed thatanimal trypanosomosis was economically important disease which halts productivity of animals with itsnegative impact on crop production.
Published in 2020
- Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Prevention and Control Method
- Authors: Derara Dejene Disasa, Milkessa Tessema, Negessa Diriba Hordofa, Belayineh Tsegaye and Gemechu Berhanu
- Journal: Europian Journal of Biological Sciences
- Description:
- Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP) is caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subspecies mycoides small colony variant and is characterized by difficulty in breathing, loss of condition, extensive sero-fibrinous pleurisy and edema of the interlobular septae. It is one of the major constraints to cattle production in Sub-saharan and South West Africa and also a threat to all countries currently free of the disease. Transmission occurs from direct and repeats contacts between sick and healthy animals. The epidemiology of CBPP is characterized by the occurrence of sub-acute and symptomless infections, the persistence of chronic carriers and the spread of the disease is associated with cattle movement. In Ethiopia, CBPP is known to be endemic and is rapidly spreading to cover the whole country in a few years’ time, if adequate control measures are not taken. Diagnosis of CBPP in most developing countries of Africa is based on culture and isolation of the causal agent which is fastidious and slow growing, serology and postmortem examination of lungs affected animals. Although the complement fixation test and c-ELISA are commonly used as diagnostic methods in most CBPP endemic countries of Africa, their sensitivity in detecting chronically affected animals is low. The major obstacles for the eradication of CBPP are the absence of a field test for diagnosis, the difficulties in controlling cattle movement and applying quarantine and slaughter policies. The major possible strategies used for control in affected countries or regions are vaccinations, control the movements of cattle and slaughter of infected animals.
Published in 2020
- Prevalence of lice in Small Ruminants in and around Babile District, East Hararge Zone, Oromia Regional State
- Authors: Derara Dejene, Milkessa Tessema and Belayine Tsegaye
- Journal: African Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences
- Description:
- This study was conducted from November 2019 to April 2020 with the aim of studying the prevalence of lice of economic importance in small ruminants in and around Babile district. A total of 340 (215 sheep and 125 goats) were investigated for lice infestation. Out of these animals 133 (35.0%) animals were infested by one or more species of lice. Of a total of examined animals; 91 (42.3%) of sheep and 42 (33.6%) of goats were positive for lice. The lice recorded 34.9% Damalinia species and 7.4% Linognathus species in sheep and 33.6% Linognathus species in goats. This study has revealed that lice were the predominant ectoparasites in sheep than in goats (p<0.05. The poor body condition score animals were higher infested by 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.
Published in 2020
- Public Health and Economoc Significance of Toxoplasmosis
- Authors: Milkessa Tessema Balcha, Bikila Emiru Aga, Derara Dejene Disasa and Gemechu Berhanu
- Journal: American-Eurasian Journal of Scientific Research
- Description:
- Toxoplasmosis is the most important worldwide zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite known as Toxoplasma gondii. Toxoplasma gondii can be transmitted transplacentally from the mother to the fetus if the infection is contracted during pregnancy and causes abortion or congenital deformity. Postnatal infection is caused by ingestion of undercooked meat containing tissue cysts; ingestion of water, fruits, vegetables and shellfish contaminated with oocysts; or unintentional ingestion of cat feces or soil that contain oocysts. Toxoplasmosis leads to a myriad of diseases. In this manuscript the public health implication, economic consequence prevention and control strategies are reviewed. Timely treatment of man and animals with proper antibiotic, hygienic measures, proper disinfection and mass education are the measures to curtail the disease.