Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from April, 2017 to October, 2018 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) helminthes and protozoan parasites in relation to contributing risk factors in camels of afar region. Accordingly, a total of 407 camels were examined. Random and purposive sampling was made in the respective districts for screening of camels. Fecal samples were collected and processed by sedimentation and floatation methods. The coprological finding indicated that about 30.22 (n = 123) of the camels harbored and excreted helminthes and protozoan parasites. Of which, the prevalence of nematodes, protozoa, cestodes, and trematodes were 144 (35.38), 28 (22.76), 8 (6.50) and 5 (4.07), respectively. The most frequently encountered parasites were Strongylus sp. 68 (55.28), Trichuris sp. 40 (32.52) Strongyloides sp. 36 (29.27), Coccidia 28 (22.76), Moniezia 8 (6.50), and Paraphystomum 5 (4.07), respectively. 17.44 of the cases were single infection while 10.57 were mixed infections. Age and body condition of the animals were significantly associated (P©0.05) with the occurrence of parasites. In conclusion, gastrointestinal parasites are the major health problems of camel in the study areas. Therefore, it is important to undertake the detailed epidemiological investigations such as seasonal dynamics, fecal culture for larvae recovery and species identification to generate parasite mitigation methods. © 2020, Online Journal of Animal and Feed Research. All Rights Reserved.