A monitoring study on the prevalence of dermatophilosis and parafilariosis in cattle in a smallholder semi-arid farming area in Zimbabwe.

The prevalences of dermatophilosis and parafilariosis were monitored for one year in cattle in Sanyati, a semi-arid smallholder farming area in Zimbabwe. The prevalence of dermatophilosis differed (p < 0.05) with season and among calves, cows, oxen and bulls. In bulls and cows, dermatophilosis lesions were localized mainly to the inguinal regions and between the front limbs. The prevalence and morbidity of dermatophilosis infection were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the wet season than in the dry season. No mortalities were recorded. The prevalence of parafilariosis was similar to that of dermatophilosis. Infection of cattle by these skin diseases was preceded by high infestation with the tick Amblyomma variegatum. The results suggest that dermatophilosis and parafilariosis have become major diseases that could compromise reproductive performance, draught power availability and overall cattle productivity, particularly during the rainy season in Sanyati smallholder farming area of Zimbabwe.