Epidemiological study on clinical bovine dermatophilosis in northern Ethiopia.

A total of 5586 indigenous and cross breed cattle were examined for clinical dermatophilosis, and 292 (5.22%) were positive. In indigenous cattle, statistically discernible (p < 0.05) difference was recorded between the prevalence in wet (5.5%) and dry (4.0%) seasons. During both seasons, infestation with A. Variegatum significantly (p < 0.05, chi 2 = 59.9) influenced clinical dermatophilosis. A. variegatum-infested cattle were at 7x higher risk (OR, Odds Ratio = 6.8) of acquiring the disease than non-infested ones. Logistic regression analysis of the overall prevalence showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) between prevalence in indigenous and cross breeds; the crossbreeds being at about 3x higher risk (OR = 2.68). Improved management reduced the prevalence in cross breeds from 15.1% in dry to 8.6% in wet season suggesting the significance of management in the epidemiology of dermatophilosis. The disease occurrence was also significantly (p < 0.05, chi 2 = 133.05) affected by agro-climatic (altitude) variation suggesting the impact of rainfall, humidity, vegetation and vector population that varied with altitude. Age and gender had no influence (p > 0.05) on the disease. Our result showed that season of the year, breed, management, infestation with A. variegatum and agro climatic difference are important risk factors influencing the disease pattern in the region. A tick control strategy and a better and adequate management particularly when keeping cross breeds are recommended.