Acta Parasitologica Globalis 5 (2): 87-90, 2014 ISSN 2079-2018 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.apg.2014.5.2.83201 Corresponding Author: Maritu Merawe, Amhara Regional State, Bureau of Agriculture, Mekelle, Ethiopia. 87 Intestinal Schistosomiasis of Bovine and Ovine in Fogera District, South Gonder Zone, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia Maritu Merawe, Kassaw Amssalu, Yohannes Hagos and Berihun Afera 1 2 2 2 Amhara Regional State, Bureau of Agriculture, Mekelle, Ethiopia 1 Mekelle University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mekelle, Ethiopia 2 Abstract: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2011-April 2012 in selected four peasant associations of four Fogera District, south Gonder zone to determine the prevalence of bovine and ovine schistosomiasis. Fecal samples from 252 cattle and 152 sheep were collected and coprological examination using sedimentation technique was applied for the recovery of schistosoma eggs. Study parameters such as sex, age, body condition score, species were considered. Overall prevalence of 3.9% was recorded. Schistosoma eggs were found to be 5.2 % in cattle and 1.5 % in sheep. Higher prevalence of 9.57% was observed in young animals. However, the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05) between age groups. Similarly there was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in prevalence of Schistosomosis between male (4.2%) and female (3.6%) animals. On other hand Significant differences (p<0.05) between animals with poor and good body condition score was observed where higher prevalence (9.3%) was observed in animals with poor body condition. Even though lower prevalence was recorded, the current study indicates that Schistosomosis is one of the obstacle of livestock production in Fogera district. Key words: Fogera Peasant Associations Prevalence Schistosomiasis Sedimentation INTRODUCTION The disease is endemic in tropical and Schistosomiasis (Bilharziasis or blood fluke) is a According to Islam et al. [5], about 530 million heads of parasitic disease of animals and humans. Schistosomosis cattle live in areas endemic for cattle schistosomiasis in is an infection caused by a trematode parasite of the Africa and Asia while at least 165 million cattle are genus Schistosoma. Mesenteric and portal vein are infected with schistosomes. The geographical distribution important predilection sites for the parasite. Schistosoma of schistosomiasis has been determined primarily by the is elongated sexually differentiated flukes which live in the distribution of snail intermediate host [3]. circulatory system of their host [1]. Schistosoma bovis, In Ethiopia studies, the different epidemiological Schistosoma matteei, Schistosoma intercalatum, study, conducted on animal schistosomiasis illustrates Schistosoma spindale, Schistosoma indicum and the importance of the disease and the availability of many Schistosoma nasalis are the major obstacle of livestock wetlands that can support the multiplication of snail production in Africa and Asia [1, 2]. intermediate hosts and the development of infective The pathology and the clinical signs of the disease cercaria [6-8]. The prevalence of 12.3-33.8% in Bahir Dar are largely attributed to the spine egg causing tissue has been reported by Hailu [6], Yalelet [8], Solomon [9], irritation in animals the clinical sign exhibited are Amero [10] and Almaz [11] and 28% in Kemissie by emaciation, marked diarrhea mixed with blood or mucus Ameni et al. [7]. Mengistu et al. [12] have also reported dehydration and marked weight loss [3, 4]. However, prevalence of 10.17% in the current study area. The Most infection in endemic areas occur at sub clinical epidemiological situation of schistosomiasis must not infections causes significant losses due to long term however, be regarded as static. The increasing production effects on animal growth, productivity, increase of rice, change in the land use pattern, in the study area susceptibility to other parasitic or bacterial diseases. may influence the occurrence of Schistosomiasis in the sub-tropical countries of Asia, Africa and India.