# Lungworm Infection in Extensively Managed Goats in Nyangatom District of South Omo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

## TL;DR

This study found a high prevalence of lungworm infection in goats in Southern Ethiopia, with factors like gender, age, and deworming affecting infection rates.

## Contribution

The study identifies Dictyocaulus filaria as the primary lungworm in goats and highlights significant risk factors in an under-researched pastoral area.

## Key findings

- Lungworm infection prevalence in goats was 33.85% in the Nyangatom District.
- Female and younger goats had significantly higher infection rates than males and older goats.
- Non-dewormed goats were more likely to be infected compared to dewormed goats.

## Abstract

Lungworm infection is one of the diseases of goats that causes a considerable loss of production. This study was conducted in pastoral areas where there is a lack of infrastructure and veterinary services. The study will help stakeholders intervene and conduct further research covering large pastoralist areas, and more attention should be given to these areas concerning their prevention and control.

One of the common parasitic diseases of goats is lungworm infection, which causes significant economic losses due to losses in production and productivity. A cross-sectional study was carried out from December 2023 to November 2024 to determine the lungworm infection prevalence and associated risk factors in goats in the study area. Fecal examinations were conducted using the Baermann technique on the 384 goats selected by a simple random sampling technique. An overall prevalence of 33.85% was recorded, and Dictyocaulus filaria was the only lungworm identified during the study period. A statistically significant difference was observed between the prevalence of lungworms in female (45.65%) and male (23%) goats (p < 0.05). A higher prevalence (42.63%) was observed in younger goats than the prevalence (25.87%) in older goats, and the difference between the prevalence was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Regarding the body condition score, the difference was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Non-dewormed goats were more prone to lungworm infection (41.24%) than dewormed goats (15.45%). Hence, lungworm infection is a considerable disease in the study area, and providing infrastructure for veterinary services was recommended.