Participatory Epidemiology of Small Ruminants Ectoparasite Infestations with Prevalence Study on Tick Infestations at Two Selected Districts of Shabelle Zone in Somali Regional State of Ethiopia

Ectoparasite infestations pose significant health challenges to animals and contribute to substantial economic losses in livestock production. A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2021 to July 2022 in selected districts of the Shabelle Zone, Somali Region, Ethiopia. The objectives were to identify and prioritize major ectoparasites of small ruminants, estimate the prevalence of tick infestations, assess associated risk factors, and determine the tick species involved. Participatory epidemiological methods including simple ranking, pairwise ranking, and seasonal calendars were used to prioritize common small ruminant ectoparasite infestations. Community participants ranked tick infestation as the most important ectoparasite problem, followed by lice, mange mites, fleas, and sheep keds. Using simple random sampling, a total of 495 small ruminants (265 sheep and 230 goats) were examined across two districts (Danan and Gode). Of these, 396 animals (200 sheep and 196 goats) were found infested, from which 885 adult ticks were collected and identified to species level under a stereomicroscope using standard morphological keys. The overall prevalence of tick infestation was 80.0% (396/495). Prevalence was higher in sheep (84.3%) than in goats (77.2%). By district, prevalence reached 77.1% in Danan and 85.6% in Gode. Seven tick species belonging to four genera were identified. The most abundant species was Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi (34.0%), followed by Hyalomma rufipes (17.4%), Hyalomma truncatum (16.2%), Amblyomma variegatum (12.1%), Rhipicephalus pulchellus (9.5%), Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) decoloratus (8.4%), and Amblyomma gemma (2.5%). Among potential risk factors, only age group, herd size, and body condition score showed a statistically significant association with tick infestation (P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed by animal species, sex, or study districts (P > 0.05). Prevalence was markedly higher in adults (46.3%) and older animals (29.9%) compared with young ones (3.8%); in moderate (53.1%) and large herds (23.2%) compared with small herds (3.6%); and in animals with poor (63.8%) or medium body condition (15.2%) compared with those in good condition (1.0%). Due to the high prevalence and economic impact of tick infestations on small ruminants in the study areas; urgent prevention and control strategies considering risk factors, ectoparasite mapping, community awareness, and targeted veterinary services for pastoral communities are strongly recommended.