Abstract—A cross sectional study aimed at determining the prevalence of crossbred calf helminthiasis was conducted in Bahir Dar zuria and Gozamen districts of Amhara region from September 2010 to April 2011. A total of 148 small holder dairy producers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire about their calf management practices. Coprological examination was carried out for qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of calf internal parasites using floatation and sedimentation technique. Degree of nematode infection and magnitude of concurrent calf helminthiasis was determined by using standard parasitological procedures. A total of 173 crossbred calves were sampled for the investigation of calf helimenthiasis. Of which, 96 calves were found to be positive for helminth parasite comprising an overall prevalence of 55.5%. Higher prevalence was recorded for Strongyle spp. (21.4%) and Fasciola (20.8%) followed by Paramphistomum (17.9%), Schistosoma (13.9%) and Monezia (5.8%). A statistical significant differences ( P < 0.05) was observed in the prevalence of Schistosoma and Strongyle spp infection across study location. Fasciolosis infection was also found statistically significant ( P < 0.05) across sex of calves by using Chi-square ( χ² ) test. In conclusion, in view of the current result, calf helminthiasis could be considered as a major calf health problem in the study areas. It is therefore, suggested that implementation of improved calf management practices with strategic application of worming chemicals and provision of worm safe pasture would significantly reduce calf helminthiasis in the study areas.

Index Terms—Bahir Dar, Crossbred calf, Gozamen, EPG, Helimentiasis

Cite: Yeshwas Ferede, "Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Helminthiasis of Crossbred Calves in Selected Sites of Bahir Dar Zuria and Gozamen Districts of Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia," International Journal of Pharma Medicine and Biological Sciences, Vol. 2, No. 3, pp. 18-27, July 2013.