Prevalence and Identification of Mange Mites on Cattle in and Around Nekemte Town, East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Western Ethiopia

PURPOSE: Mange mite is one of the skin diseases of cattle that can cause huge economic loss through a decrease in production. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with the objective of determining the prevalence and identification of species of mange mites that affect cattle in and around Nekemte town. The study methods involved were clinical and laboratory examinations of skin scraping samples from the animals. RESULTS: From 384 examined animals, 86 (22.40%) were found to be infected with mange mites. The most commonly encountered mange mite genus was Sarcoptes (15.10%), Demodex (5.47%) and Psoroptes (1.82%). The higher prevalence was observed in young animals, 49 (22.69%), compared to adult animals, 37 (22.02), but statistically insignificant variations were observed. Also a non-significant variation was found between sexes (P ≤ 0.067), even though it was higher in female, 72 (23.00%) than male, 14 (19.72%), but a statistically significant variation was observed among body condition score (P ≤ 0.024), with the highest prevalence being in poor body condition score, 31 (57.41%). A statistically significant variation was detected among the body part infestation (P ≤ 0.024). The most frequent sites of mange mite infestation were the shoulder, neck, face, ears, tail and legs, respectively. CONCLUSION: The study indicated that there was high prevalence of mange mite infestation in cattle in the study area that needs appropriate and strategic control measures by employing additional research for species identification and improving the standards of animal husbandry.