Prevalence ofMelophagus ovinus (Diptera, Hippoboscidae) in sheep in the province of Tungurahua, Ecuador

Melophagus ovinus (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) is considered one of the main ectoparasites that attack sheep, however, in Ecuador information about this parasite is limited. In this study, the prevalence of Melophagus ovinus in sheep was examined in Tungurahua province, Ecuador. For this purpose, sampling was performed in some semi-intensive and backyard sheep farming systems in different locations in Tungurahua. Significant differences were detected in the prevalence of M. ovinus between different locations, being higher in Ambato (۳۹.۳%), followed by Quero (۳۳.۵%), Mocha (۳۲, ۳%), Pelileo (۳۰.۷%), and Tisaleo (۲۸%). Meanwhile, a significant decrease in prevalence was observed in Patate, Cevallos, and Píllaro ranging from ۷.۵% to ۱۸%, and no Melophagus ovinus was detected in Baños. No relationship was observed between the number of ectoparasites and the gender or age of the host sheep. A higher incidence was observed in males (۵۸.۴۵%) than in females (۴۱.۵۵%), even though it was not statistically significant according to Pearson's Chi-squared (p/ = ۰.۴۹۲). Similarly, when considering the effect of the age of an animal on the incidence of M. ovinus, no significant association was found based on Pearson's Chi-squared (i>p/i>= ۰.۳۱۴). However, the animals aged ۱-۳ and older than ۵ years showed a higher prevalence. This study highlights the need for further studies on the prevalence of Melophagus ovinus in producing areas.

Keywords:

Sheep ked , Ectoparasite prevalence , Geographical distribution , Andean