Winning Against Parasites in Ethiopia
In the highlands of Ethiopia, a quiet revolution is underway to protect sheep from invisible enemies that have plagued farmers for generations.
Sheep are the backbone of rural livelihoods in Ethiopia, contributing up to 63% of all monetary income for many smallholder farmers4 . However, for years, gastrointestinal parasites have silently undermined this crucial resource, causing substantial economic losses through reduced productivity, poor growth, and sometimes death1 .
Recognizing this challenge, researchers and communities have joined forces to implement strategic parasite control programs that are transforming sheep farming across the country.
63%
of income from sheep for smallholder farmers
54.4%
of sheep infected before intervention
Gastrointestinal parasites represent one of the most significant health constraints for sheep production in Ethiopia. These microscopic invaders include various worms and flukes that inhabit the digestive system of animals, competing for nutrients and damaging tissues.
The most common culprits identified in Ethiopian sheep include Strongylid worms (30.4%) and Fasciola liver flukes (18.2%), though many other species contribute to the problem1 . These parasites thrive in Ethiopia's diverse agro-ecological zones, with wet mid-highland environments creating particularly favorable conditions. Research shows that animals living in these wet regions are 23 times more likely to harbor strongylid infections compared to those in moist highland areas1 .
To address this challenge, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Ethiopia launched an integrated animal health intervention in 2018. This program combines improved management practices, enhanced nutrition, and strategic use of anthelmintic dewormers across community-based breeding sites in multiple regions1 .
The approach marked a significant shift from haphazard treatment to carefully timed interventions. Rather than waiting for animals to show signs of sickness, the program implemented preventive deworming twice a year - at the beginning of the long and short rainy seasons when parasite populations typically surge1 .
"Before community-based breeding programs, we valued sheep by number, not by quality. Breeding was random; we let any ram mate with any ewe. We accepted what came. But with training, we learned the value of selective breeding"
2x
Income increase for farmers
2
Deworming cycles per year
2018
Program launch year
Between 2018 and 2021, researchers conducted a comprehensive assessment of worm burden and control strategies across nine villages in three districts of Ethiopia. The study provides compelling evidence for the effectiveness of strategic parasite management1 .
The research team examined a total of 1,928 sheep before treatment and 735 sheep after deworming, collecting fecal samples directly from the rectum of each animal1 .
| Parasite Type | Pre-Treatment Prevalence | Key Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Strongylid | 30.4% | Most frequently identified parasite |
| Fasciola | 18.2% | Primary liver fluke species |
| Any GIT Parasites | 54.4% | Over half of sheep infected before intervention |
Data source: 1
The findings demonstrated a dramatic impact of strategic parasite control:
| Infection Level | Egg Count (EPG) | Outcome After Intervention |
|---|---|---|
| Mild | < 500 | Persisted at low levels |
| Moderate | 500-1,500 | Reduced by one third |
| High | > 1,500 | Completely eliminated |
Data source: 1
"We earn two to three times more than before," says farmer Ayelech, who used her increased income to replace her grass-thatched house with a sturdier home and better support her son's education6 .
Understanding and combating sheep parasites requires specialized tools and techniques. Here are the key components of the parasitologist's toolkit:
Quantifies parasite eggs per gram of feces to measure infection intensity and treatment efficacy1 .
Assesses anemia levels through eye membrane color to help target treatment to animals needing it most1 .
Calculates percentage reduction in egg counts after treatment to monitor anthelmintic drug effectiveness and resistance1 .
Separates and identifies parasite eggs from fecal matter to determine which parasite species are present1 .
Despite the promising results, researchers identified concerning signs of emerging drug resistance in some parasite populations1 . This finding aligns with broader trends across Ethiopia, where studies confirm that gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep are developing resistance to multiple anthelmintics8 .
One recent study revealed widespread resistance to ivermectin, albendazole, and tetramisole, with fecal egg count reduction rates below the 95% efficacy threshold8 .
The most successful parasite control programs recognize that medication alone isn't the solution. Instead, they integrate strategic deworming with improved overall management practices.
Through participation in the community-based breeding program, farmers learned selective breeding techniques that improved herd genetics and resilience.
Better feeding practices strengthened sheep immune systems, making them more resistant to parasite infections.
Farmers gained access to better markets, with sales reaching major towns and even the capital, Addis Ababa6 .
The integration of women in leadership roles helped disseminate improved genetics and health practices throughout communities6 .
The battle against gastrointestinal parasites in Ethiopian sheep is far from over, but the strategic approaches implemented through community-based programs offer a promising path forward. The remarkable achievement of eliminating high-burden infections through twice-yearly deworming demonstrates the power of simple, consistent interventions1 .
"Bonga sheep are not just our pride, they can be all of Ethiopia's pride as well. Our youth can build a future here, escaping the risks of poverty or unemployment"6 .