Identification of small ruminant external parasite species in Tanqua Abergelle and Kola Tembien districts of Tigray region, Northern Ethiopia

Abstract Background Ecto-parasites are a major concern in sheep and goat flocks, wherever sheep and goat are kept. A study was carried out in the districts of Kola Tembien and Tanqua Abergelle from September 2014 to June 2017 with the objectives of identifying external parasites to their species level.Methods A cross-sectional study design was conducted. Randomly selected sheep and goat was clinically examined for the presence of ecto-parasites or lesions and identified in National animal health diagnostic and investigation center (NAHDIC) by using taxonomical and entomological examination. About 237 live sheep and goats have been examined randomly for the presence of external parasites.Results All identified species of external parasites were found in both species. Accordingly, eight species of external parasites have been identified with their prevalence as follows; Amblyoma varigatum (35.4%), Ripicephulus parvus (22.8%), Ripicephulus praetexatus (8.4%), Ripicephulus pulchellus (7.6%), Ctenocephalides felis felis (5.1%), Linognatus africanus (11.8%), Ripicephalus evertsi (2.5%), Hayaloma trancatum (6.5%). Both in sheep and goats, there was no significant difference between infestation of external parasites and the associated risk factors except for Amblyoma varigatum which was higher in Tanqua Abergelle (25.7%) than Kola Tembien (9.7%). The odd of infestation by Amblyoma varigatum in goat was 3.5 higher than in sheep.Conclusions Our study revealed that eight species of external parasites has been found with a higher rate of infestation. Therefore, to minimize the prevalence of external parasites urgent and well coordinated external parasites control measures should be taken.