Prospective Longitudinal Study of Calf Mortality: Prevalence and Identification of Helminths and Tick Species in Buno Bedele Zone Southwest Ethiopia

Background: There is an immense demand for animal products in Ethiopia due to the country's rapid urbanization and population increase. On the other hand, calf sickness and death are starting to hinder cattle productivity. The purposes of this study were: To determine the prevalence of helminth parasite infection and ticks infestation, to identify major gastro-intestinal parasites and tick species, describe magnitude of morbidity and death. Methods: From January to December 2024, prospective longitudinal study design, cluster random sampling technique was used on calves up to one year age. Results: 241 (or 57.6%) of the 418 fecal samples that were taken tested positive for helminth parasite eggs of various species. The infection was significantly higher in thin body condition (p<0.05). In the present findings identified helminth parasites species were: Paramphistomum spp (22%), Fasciola spp(18.7%), Ascaris spp (13.3%), Oesophagastomum spp 11.2%), Trichuris spp (9.5%), Bunostomum spp (7.5%), Strongyloides spp (6.2%) and Cooperia spp(4.6%). Ticks were observed on 92% of the calves examined. Out 618 Ixodid ticks collected, Bophilus(B.decoloratus) was the most abundant (44%) that followed by Amblyomma (A. variegatum)and Hyalomma (Hyalomma marginatum rufipes) with prevalence of 30% and 20% respectively. Ticks infestation were significantly higher in thin body condition and local calves breed (p<0.05). In general, the rates of crude morbidity and death were 42.79% and 15.08%, respectively. Conclusion: The primary health problem affecting calves in the studied areas was caused by helminths and ticks, which also contributed to the higher crude morbidity and mortality rate. Therefore, it is important to create awareness about parasite control. Furthermore, collaboration between farmers and animal health professionals are necessary to lower calf morbidity and death.