Bovine dermatophilosis and its influencing factors in central Ethiopia

A study of bovine cutaneous dermatophilosis was carried out on a total of 6530 animals under different management systems. Of the 6530 animals examined, 334 (5.1%) were found to be positive. A significantly (P > 0.01) higher breed susceptibility was found in Holstein-Friesian cattle (12.8%) than in the local zebu (4.8%). The prevalence of the disease on feed-lots, a ranch, traditional farms and urban dairy farms was 2.9%, 4.2%, 7.1% and 12.8% respectively. Management and breed differences were found to be very important risk factors associated with the disease. However, other factors, including ticks, were also found to be apparently associated with the disease, indicating a complex interplay of several factors in the pathogenesis of dermatophilosis. Possible measures to be taken into account in the control of the disease are suggested.