Study on Ovine Trematode Infections, Their Snails Shell Characterization and KAPs of Owners in the Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia

Study on Ovine Trematode Infections, Their Snails Shell Characterization and KAPs of Owners in the Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Study on Ovine Trematode Infections, Their Snails Shell Characterization and KAPs of Owners in the Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia Andebet Sechu, Seid Kassaw, Abrham Ayele, Moges Maru, Shemelis Dagnachew This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7370454/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Under Review Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Ovine trematode infections are among the most common parasitic diseases of sheep, causing significant health problems, production losses, and economic impacts. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to February 2025 in East and West Dembia woredas of the Central Gondar Zone. The aim of this study were to determine the burden of ovine trematodes, characterize the morphology of intermediate host snail shells, and assess sheep owners’ perceptions toward trematode infections. A total of 384 fecal samples were collected directly from randomly selected sheep and examined using the sedimentation technique. Additionally, 300 snail shells were randomly collected for morphological identification, and 300 sheep owners participated in a structured questionnaire survey. Data were entered into Excel 20 and analyzed using STATA version 14. The overall prevalence of ovine trematodes was 42.7% (164/384), with fascioliasis (25%), paramphistomiasis (14.06%), and schistosomiasis (3.64%). Age (AOR = 4.09, p = 0.021), body condition (AOR = 189, p < 0.001), and grazing area (AOR = 19.86, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with infection, whereas sex and district were not. Snail shell identification revealed four genera: Lymnaea (58.7%), Bulinus (18.0%), Melanoides (15.0%), and Biomphalaria (8.3%), with Lymnaea being the most dominant. The questionnaire survey on the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) indicated that 70% of respondents were unfamiliar with ovine trematodes, highlighting a major knowledge gap. In conclusion, ovine trematodes remain an important and neglected disease in the study area. Effective control requires community education on the parasites and their intermediate hosts, promotion of regular deworming, improved diagnostic approaches, and strengthened veterinary extension services. Coprology Dembia woreda Ovine trematodes Prevalence Snail Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 1. INTRODUCTION Sheep is the second most important livestock species in Ethiopia estimated at 39.89 million ( 1 ). Despite having a full-size sheep population, Ethiopia is not able to use those resources due to different reasons like periodic droughts, infrastructural challenges, animal disease outbreaks, insufficient nutrition, bad husbandry practices, a shortage of trained manpower, and lack of government rules for disease prevention and control ( 2 ). Of these factors, parasitic infections have a great impact on livestock production and welfare. Parasitic infections produced by helminthes, protozoa, and arthropods can cause greater economic losses. Among parasitic disease, trematode infections are produce vast economically impact and affecting health of domestic ruminant such as sheep ( 3 ). Trematodes are grouped under the phylum Platyhelminthes (Flat worms) and Class trematoda which classified into two main subclasses: monogenea and digenea trematodes. Monogenean trematodes have a direct life cycle and are a class of parasitic flatworms that are commonly found on fishes and lower aquatic invertebrates whereas digenean trematodes have an indirect lifecycle; require the involvement of intermediate host exclusively found in vertebrates and are of considerable veterinary importance ( 4 ). Digenean trematodes comprises a significant veterinary importance parasites like Fasciolidae, Dicrocoeliidae, Paramphistomatidae, and Schistosomatidae . The maximum massive flukes documented from diverse regions of the world are Fasciola (liver fluke), Paramphistomes (rumen/stomach fluke), and Schistosoma (blood fluke) ( 5 ). The two major families of trematodes, Dicrocoelidae and Fasciolidae are parasitizing the liver and they requiring intermediate host for the completion of their life cycle. The other families are Praphistomatidae affecting rumen and Schistosomatidae affecting the blood vessel ( 5 ). These trematode parasites causes a wide range of impacts on sheep such as tissue damage, anemia, reduction of the growth rate and feed conversion, weight loss, metablic problems as wel as decrease in conception and pregnancy rates ( 6 ). The trematodes parasites are responsible for great impacts of huge financial loss in the sheep production ( 7 ). They have great economic significance worldwide with an estimated economic losses to exceed 2000 million dollars yearly; affecting more than 600 million animals ( 8 ). In Ethiopia the estimated annual economic loss was reported 48.4 million Ethiopian birr ( 9 ). Snails are invertebrate creatures belonging to the class Gastropoda,genus Lymnaea , Bulinus , Melanoides , and Biomphalaria . It is inhabit a variety of locations throughout the world. The fact that snails are intermediate hosts for many diseases that affect both humans and animals has drawn a lot of attention to them. In many tropical and sub-tropical nations, human and animal health is seriously at risk from parasite diseases carried by snails, such as Schistosomiasis and Fascioliasis ( 10 ). Generally, ovine trematodes infectious are the most regular parasitic diseases of sheep and distributed in different parts of Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia ( 6 ). In Ethiopia, it found in different parts of the country and also various studies are conducted such as ( 11 ) in Menz (70.2%) Fasciola , ( 12 ) in Fogera (1.5%) Schistosoma , ( 13 ) in Kutaber (33.6%) Paramphistomes and ( 11 ) in west Wollega (20.9%) Fasciola . Trematodes can cause huge economic loss by mortality and loss of production. Trematode parasite infections in Ethiopia is very frequent and causes a significant health problem and economic loss either in production loss or decrease productivity. Although considerable research has been conducted on various trematode infections in cattle, studies on sheep have mainly focused on reporting the prevalence and economic importance of specific trematodes, particularly fasciolosis. Moreover, no previous research or documented information exists regarding ovine trematode infections in the two selected districts of the Central Gondar Zone. This study is novel in its integrated approach to investigating ovine trematode infections by combining coprological examination, snail intermediate host identification, and a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey among sheep owners in the Central Gondar Zone. Unlike previous studies that focused solely on prevalence, this research uniquely assesses the morphological characterization of snail vectors, providing insight into the local intermediate host ecology. Additionally, the incorporation of a community-based KAP assessment offers valuable information on how local practices and awareness levels may influence the transmission dynamics of trematode parasites. Thus, The aim of this study were to determined the prevalence, to identify the snail intermediate hosts and to asseses owner’s KAPs of ovine trematode infections in the two selected districts of Central Gondar zone. 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS 2.1. Study Area and Study Period The study was conducted from March 2024 to January 2025 in the central Gondar zone which was East Dembia and West Dembia, North West Ethiopia (Fig. 1 ). East Dembia and West Dembia are located at distance of 762 km and 779 km from Addis Ababa respectively. It is located at 12° 17’ North latitude and 37° 27’ East longitude and has an elevation of 1884 meter above sea level. The mean minimum and maximum temperature are 12.37°C and 26.27°C, respectively. The area is rich in many rivers and the southern parts of these districts of 14 peasant associations border is Lake Tana, which makes the districts most irrigated and marshy. The districts also have a lot of communal and private grazing lands near to Lake Tana and other many rivers which is suitable for the intermediate host for parasites. There were 108,125 sheep, according to both districts livestock resource development office report (2024). 2.2. Study Design and Study population A cross-sectional study was employed from March 2024 to February 2025 in the two selected districts of central Gondar zone, North West Ethiopia to assess the current status of the prevalence, their intermediate snail host and owner’s perception of ovine trematodes. The study animals were sheep which kept under extensive management system with different age, sex, and body conditions. Different age of sheep classified as (young < 2 years), adult greater than or equal to 2 years) ( 14 ). Similarly, the body condition of sheep was grouped in to good, medium and poor based on the criteria set by ( 15 ). 2.3. Sample Size Determination The sample size for fecal examination was calculated according to the following formula ( 16 ). Since there was no previous documented information about the prevalence and KAPs of ovine trematodes in the study area, it was calculated using 50% expected prevalence with 5% desired level of precision and a 95% confidence interval. $$\:\text{n}=\frac{{\left(1.96\right)}^{2}Pexp(1-Pexp)}{d²}$$ Where: n is required sample size; Pexp is expected prevalence and d is desired absolute precision. Accordingly, the sample sizes would be 384 sheep. The sample size for the questionnaire survey determine by using the formula developed by (Arsham, 2005). N = 0.25/ SE 2 . Where, N = Sample size SE = Standard error (0.05). Therefor the calculated sample size would be 100 sheep owners. But, to increase the precisions of the data, samples would be made it triple. Therefore, the total number of respondents would be 300. 2.4. Sampling techniques The two study districts East Dembia and West Dembia were purposively selected by considering availability of distance from the parasitological laboratories, transport accessibility, irrigation activities, and availability of sheep population. The 10 study kebelle administration (5 from each districts) were selected by using simple random sampling method. The number of sheep from each districts and kebelle administration were selected proportionally based on total population of sheep available. Based on this, 190 sheep from five kebelles of East Denbia district suchas from Achera ( 30 ), Guramba Bata (40), Jangua (40), Adisgie (40), Seraba (40)) and 194 sheep from five kebelles West Denbia district that mean (Cherger (40), Messkelechirstos (40), Abirjha (40), Darna (40) and Gawurna ( 34 ) were incorporated in the study. Additionally, The 300 sheep owners were selected randomly from each peasant associations (30 respondants for each selected kebeles). 2.5. Data collection and Examination 2.5.1. Coprological examination Fresh fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of sheep or freshly ovoid faeces by using disposable glove after proper resrain of the sheep and was placed in the 10% formalin preserved universal sampling bottle. The date of collection, owners name, species, sex, age, body condition of the sheep and sample number was recorded. Then, the sample was put in ice box with ice, and immediately transported to Kolladiba district veterinary clinic laboratory for coprological examination and the faecal sample was stored + 4 degree Celsius until it had processed and examined. The faecal sedimentation technique was used to detect the presence of trematode eggs by dilution of the faecal suspension and sedimentation of the eggs, which are heavier than most of the faecal particles ( 17 ). A drop of methylene blue solution (1%) was added to the sediment to differentiated between eggs of paramphistome species and fasciola species. Paramphistome species eggs was stained with methylene blue and the granules was translucent, whereas fasciola species eggs with yellowish in color and transfered the sediment to a micro slide and covered with a coverslip and examine under microscope ( 17 ). 2.5.2. Snail Collection and Identification Snails were directly collected from the study area. Water-visible snails floating on the water's surface and moist mud, vegetation, and leaf litter were picked by hand using a glove. Collections were made during early morning and late afternoon, periods of high snail activity. Each collection site was recorded with detailed information about the location, type of water body, and date of collection. The collected snails were placed in labeled plastic containers with adequate vegetation and a small amount of water from the collection site to maintain their natural habitat conditions. These containers were then transported to the parasitology laboratory at University Gondar for further analysis. The shell was then identified using the shell's morphological features including parameters such as shell size, number of whorls, shell shape, surface characteristics, aperture, colours and patterns were employed for this purpose ( 18 , 19 ). 2.5.3. Questionnaire survey Questionnaire survey was conducted on 300 sheep owners using semi structured questionnaire. In this survey the respondents was asked regarding their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about the disease and their control practice of the diseases. The questionnaire was prepared by English and translated to Amharic and then it was administered to the respondents by face to face interview. The questionnaire was had four parts: socio demographic (age, sex, educational status, marital status, sheep keeping experience, knowledge, attitude and practice questions. Generally, the questions of KAP section was focused on the knowledge about trematodes infections in sheep, the common route of transmission, the season when the disease was more prevalent, management system, management practices, grazing type, the effect of the disease, treatment, control and prevention practices. It was analysed through descriptive statistics. 2.6. Data management and analysis Data was entered and managed in Microsoft Excel 2010 worksheet. The data was analyzed using the version of STATA software version (14.0). A descriptive statistical analysis would be used to summarize and present the collected data. Binary Logistic Regression a analysis would be used to measure the association among each categorical variable and the occurrences of ovine trematode parasites. In order to consider a result to be statistically significant, 95% CI and p-value < 0.05 an odd ratio was considered. 3. RESULT 3.1. Overall Coprological Prevalance Among 384 sheep examined, the overall prevalence of trematode infections was 42.7% (95%CI: 37.8–47.6). Of the 164 positive cases, 81.1% showed clinical signs, while 18.9% were asymptomatic. Emaciation or weight loss (19.5%), pale mucus membranes (17.1%), and bottle jaw (14.0%) were the most frequently observed clinical signs. Less common signs included diarrhea, rough hair coat and straining with rectal bleeding respectively, emphasizing the clinical diversity of trematode infections ( Table 1 ). Table 1 Over all prevalence of trematode parasite infections in sheep regarding clinical sign Condition of sheep Type of clinical sign observed Number positive Prevalence % (95% CI) With clinical sign Bottle jaw 23 14.0% (8.8–19.3) Pale mucus membrane 28 17.1% (11.4–22.7) Emaciation / weight loss 32 19.5% (13.4–25.5) Diarrhea 19 11.6% (6.8–16.5) Rough hair coat 15 9.1% (4.7–13.6) Straining with rectal bleeding 6 3.7% (0.8–6.6) Mixed 10 6.1% (2.4–9.9) Total with signs 133 81.1% (75.1–87.1) Without clinical sign No clinical sign 31 18.9% (12.9–24.9) Overall total 164 42.7% (37.8–47.6) Among sheep infected with trematode parasites, the most frequently observed clinical signs varied by parasite species. Fasciola infection was predominantly associated with bottle jaw (9.8%), emaciation (12.0%), and pale mucous membranes (9.8%). Paramphistomum infections commonly presented with pale mucous membranes (4.5%) and diarrhea (4.5%). Schistosoma infections were frequently linked to straining with rectal bleeding (3.0%). These findings suggest that while some signs overlap, certain clinical manifestations are more indicative of specific trematode infections in sheep ( Table 2 ). Table 2 Distribution of clinical signs among sheep positive for different trematode species (n = 164) Type of clinical signs Fasciola N (%) Paramphistomum N (%) Schistosoma N (%) Mixed N (%) Bottle jaw 13 (9.8%) 4 (3.0%) 2 (1.5%) 4 (3.0%) Weight loss 16 (12.0%) 6 (4.5%) 4 (3.0%) 7 (5.3%) Pale mucous membrane 13 (9.8%) 6 (4.5%) 4 (3.0%) 5 (3.8%) Diarrhea 8 (6.0%) 6 (4.5%) 3 (2.3%) 3 (2.3%) Rough hair coat 6 (4.5%) 3 (2.3%) 2 (1.5%) 5 (3.8%) Straining with rectal bleeding 2 (1.5%) 0 (0.0%) 4 (3.0%) 1 (0.8%) Mixed signs 2 (1.5%) 1 (0.8%) 1 (0.8%) 2 (1.5%) Other signs (—) 3 (2.3%) 2 (1.5%) 1 (0.8%) N = number of positive, P(%) = prevalence Among 384 examined sheep, the overall prevalence of trematode infection was 42.7%. Three ovine trematode parasites were identified through coprological analysis were Fasciola, Paramphistomum , and Schistosoma (Fig. 3 ). Fasciola had the highest prevalence at 25%, followed by Paramphistomum at 14%, and Schistosoma at 3.64% (Fig. 2 ). Regarding the relative proportion of identified trematode parasites in single infections, Fasciola species were the most prevalent, infecting 17.7% of sheep, followed by Paramphistomum species at 11.2%, and Schistosoma species at 5.5%. Mixed infections were less common, with dual infections of Fasciola and Paramphistomes observed in 3.4% of cases. Triple infections involving Fasciola , Paramphistomes , and Schistosoma were rare, recorded in only 1.3% of infected sheep. This pattern highlights Fasciola as the dominant trematode parasite in the study population in ( Error! Not a valid bookmark self-reference. ). Table 3 Relative prevalence of trematode parasites in sheep Types of trematode parasites identified No. positive sheep Prevalence (%) 95% CI Fasciola 68 17.7% 14.0–21.4 Paramphistomes 43 11.2% 8.0–14.4 Schistosoma 21 5.5% 3.2–7.8 Fasciola and Paramphistomes 13 3.4% 1.6–5.2 Fasciola and Schistosoma 8 2.1% 0.7–3.5 Schistosoma and Paramphistomes 6 1.6% 0.3–2.9 Fasciola, Paramphistomes , and Schistosoma 5 1.3% 0.2–2.4 Total 164 42.7% 37.7–47.7 3.2. Prevalance of trematodes prasites associated with risk factors Adult sheep were significantly more likely to be infected compared to young sheep (AOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 1.23–8.54, p = 0.021). Poor body condition showed a strong positive association with trematode infection (AOR = 189, 95% CI: 22.45–456.21, p < 0.001). Sheep grazing on marshy areas were almost 20 times more likely to harbor trematodes than those grazing on dry areas (AOR = 19.86, 95% CI: 10.84–36.20, p < 0.001). Sex and district were not significantly associated with overall infection ( Table 4 ). Table 4 Logistic regression analysis of potential risk factors associated with overall trematode parasite prevalence in sheep Risk factors Categories No. of examined sheep No. positive sheep (%) AOR (95% CI) P-value District East Dembia 194 82 (42.27%) 1.69 (0.56–3.04) 0.310 West Dembia 190 82 (43.16%) 1 Sex Female 260 112 (43.08%) 1.80 (0.91–2.90) 0.091 Male 124 52 (41.94%) 1 Age Adult 317 142 (44.79%) 4.09 (1.23–8.54) 0.021 Young 67 22 (32.84%) 1 Body condition Poor 48 42 (87.5%) 189 (22.45–456.21) < 0.001 Medium 336 122 (25.60%) 1 Grazing area Marshy 174 104 (56.90%) 19.86 (10.84–36.20) < 0.001 Dry 210 60 (22.86%) 1 Total 384 164 (42.70%) AOR = adjusted odd ratio, % = percentage, 1 = reference Logistic regression analysis indicated that poor body condition was strongly associated with Fasciola infection (OR = 189, p < 0.001). Adult sheep were about four times more likely to harbor Fasciola compared to young ones (OR = 4.09, p = 0.021). Marshy grazing areas significantly increased the risk of Paramphistomum infection (OR = 19.86, p < 0.001). Other factors such as sex and district were not significantly associated with infection by the three trematode genera ( Table 5 ). Table 5 Logistic regression analysis of potential risk factor with each genus of trematode parasites of sheep Riskfactor Catagories No.of examined Fasciola Paramphistomum Schistosoma No. positive (%) OR P-value No. positive (%) OR P -value No. pos itive (%) OR P – value District West Dembia 190 21(10.82) 1 - 51(26.29) 1 10 (5.26) 1 - East – Dembia 194 33(17.01) 1.73 0.067 45(23.68) 1.69 0.556 4 (2.06) 2.8 0.094 Sex Male 124 12 (9.67) 1 - 31 ( 25 ) 1 - 9 (3.46) 1 - Female 260 42(16.15) 1.8 0.091 65( 25 ) 4.9 1.00 5 (4.03) 0.898 0.078 Age Young 67 3(87.5) 1 - 79(24.92) 1 - 12 (3.79) 1 - Adult 317 67(21.1) 4.09 0.021 17(25.37) 10.02 0.938 2 (2.99) 0.758 0.2016 Body condition Poor 48 42(87.5) 189 0.001 11 (22.9) 0.86 0.211 4(8.33) 1.97 0.751 Medium 336 12(3.57) 1 - 85(25.29) 1 - 10(2.99) 1 - Grazing area Dry 210 24(11.43) 1 - 34(16.19) 1 - 7(3.33) 1 - Marshy 174 30(17.24) 1.62 0.105 62(35.63) 19.86 0.001 7(4.02) 3.45 0.178 % = prevalence, OR = odd ratio 3.3. Identifications of Snail Intermidate Hosts This table highlights the diagnostic shell characteristics of key freshwater snails. Lymnaea species vary in shape from ovate-conical (L. natalensis) to short and rugged (L. truncatula) , while Radix auricularia is notable for its wide whorls and pale striated surface. Bulinus truncatus exhibits a smooth, elongated form with a blunted apex, whereas Biomphalaria pfeifferi stands out with its flat, discoidal, sinistral shell. Melanoides tuberculata is easily recognized by its pointed, conical shape and spiraled ridges. These morphological traits are essential for species identification, especially when assessing their roles as intermediate hosts of trematode parasites ( Table 6 ). Table 6 Snail shell morphological characteristics of identifind intermidate host (snail) of trematodes parasites of sheep Snail types Snail shell morphological features Lymnaea Lymnaea natalensis Large, ovate-conical in shape, with a pointed apex and several distinct whorls, light with irregular brown banding surface and large and oval aperture as shown (topmost snail (center-top) and bottom right snail in Fig. 4 A ) . Lymnaea truncatula Shorter, more rounded than others; thinner spire, dark brown and more rugged in texture and relatively small in aperture as shown (left middle snail in Fig. 4 A). Radix auricularia Conical with wider whorls in shape; gently tapering spire, pale beige with clear spiral striations in surface, wide and rounded as shown (bottom left snail) Fig. 4 A ). Bulinus Bulinus truncatus Medium sized, smooth, elongated spire in shape, dark brown in color surface, blunted apex, D shape aperture shown at the bottom in Fig. 4 B. Biomphalaria Biomphalaria pffiferi Medium sized, discoidal (flat, coin-shaped) shell, sinistral with a sunken spire, broadly crescent-shaped aperture, yellow brownish in color and acks an operculum in Fig. 4 D ). Melanoides Melanoides tuberculata Elongated and distinctly conical in shape, tapering to a pointed apex, multiple distinct, rounded whorls are visible, spiral striations or ridges, ovate to teardrop-shaped aperture brown color and a blunted or eroded apex in ( Fig. 4 C ). The table presents the distribution of snail species collected from a total of 300 specimens. Lymnaea was the most prevalent genus (58.7%, 95% CI: 52.9–64.3), followed by Bulinus (18.0%), Melanoides (15.0%), and Biomphalaria (8.3%). These findings suggest Lymnaea as the dominant intermediate host species, potentially posing a higher risk for trematode transmission in the study area ( Table 7 ). Table 7 Snail category and their occurrence in the study areas Snails category Frequecy Percentage(%) 95%CI Lymnaea 176 58.7 52.9–64.3 Bulinus 54 18 13.9–22.9 Biomphalaria 25 8.3 5.5–11.9 Melanoides 45 15 11.2–19.6 Total 300 100 ------- 3.4. Results of Questionnaire Survey 3.4.1. Socio-demographic characteristics The descriptive analysis of Table 9 . has encompassed different demographic profile of the respondents. Out of 300 respondents, the majority were male (82.67%). Most participants were within the 15–35 years age group (41.7%), followed by 36–56 years (30.3%). Regarding education, 27% had attended Grade 4–6, while 18.3% had no formal education. Agriculture was the dominant occupation (71.6%), and most respondents kept 2–10 sheep in their flock (59.3%) ( Table 8 ). Table 8 Socio demographic characteristics of respondents in the study area No. Profile of Respondent Categories Respondent Frequncy(n) Percentages (%) 1 Gender Male 248 82.67% Female 52 17.33% 2 Age 15–35 125 41.7% 36–56 91 30.3% 57 and above 84 28% 3 Education level Write 76 25.3% Grade 4–6 81 27% Grade 8–12 68 22.6% Certificate & above 20 6.66% No formal education 55 18.3% 4 Occupation Government sector 17 5.6% Own business 22 7.3% Student 46 15.3% Agriculture 215 71.6% 5 Number of flock 2–10 178 59.3% 11–20 82 27.4% Above 21 40 13.3% 3.4.2. Respondents knowledge towards trematode parasite infections The majority of respondents (70%) were unfamiliar with ovine trematodes and 72.3% lacked confidence in identifying infections. While 38.3% recognized "bottle jaw" as a sign, only 18.3% sought veterinary advice. Most (68.3%) reported implementing preventive measures despite limited training exposure (only 1.7% trained). Furthermore, 61.7% believed knowledge about trematodes was important, and 64% stated infections affected daily sheep management. Awareness about snail involvement as intermediate hosts was notably low (18.3%) ( Table 9 ) . Table 9 The knowledge of respondents towards trematode parasite infections No. Questions Resondants Catagories Frequncy(n) Percentages (%) 1 Do you famillar with ovine trematodes Yes 90 30% No 210 70% 2 What signs do you know with ovine trematodes Emaciation 85 28.3% Weakness 22 7.3% Bottle jaw 196 38.3% Diarrhoea 54 18% Others 28 9.3% 3 Do you cofident to identify trematode infectios in your sheep Yes 83 27.7% No 217 72.3% 4 Do you know trematodes spreads within the sheep Yes 88 29.3% No 212 70.7% 5 Have you brought veterinary advice about tretments of ovine trematodes Yes 55 18.3% No 245 81.7% 6 Have you implemented any preventive measures Yes 205 68.3% No 95 31.7% 7 Have you ever participated in any training Yes 5 1.7% No 295 98.3 8 Is important to know about ovine trematodes than other sheep diseases Yes 185 61.7% No 115 38.3% 9 Is there any impact on your daily sheep management Yes 192 64% No 108 36% 10 are you satisfied with the treatments Yes 90 30% No 210 70% 11. Do you know snails? Yes 55 18.3% No 245 81.7% 3.4.3. The attitude of respondents towards trematode parasite infections The majority of respondents (71.7%) did not believe that trematodes impact sheep health, and 63.7% thought trematodes did not affect overall productivity. A lack of awareness about the prevalence of trematodes was evident, with 78.3% not knowing it. Discussions among sheep owners were limited (74% not participating), and while 70% agreed that controlling trematodes is challenging, only 52.7% recognized the importance of early detection and treatment. Over half (56%) agreed that trematodes impact market value. Despite these attitudes, 80.3% expressed dissatisfaction with their current knowledge of the issue, highlighting a significant gap in awareness ( Table 10 ) . Table 10 The attitude of respondents towards trematode parasite infections No. Questions Respondents Catagories Frequncy(n) Percentages (%) 1 Do you believe trematodes impact the health of sheep? Agree 85 28.3% Dissagre 215 71.7% 2 Do you believe it affects the over all productivity and productions Agree 109 36.3% Dissagre 191 63.7% 3 Do you know the overall prevalence Agree 65 21.7% Dissagre 235 78.3% 4 Do you discuss with other sheep owners Agree 78 26% Dissagre 222 74% 5 Do you agree the challenges to control Agree 210 70% Dissagre 90 30% 6 Do you think that early detection and treatment of trematodes is important? Agree 158 52.7% Dissagre 142 47.3% 7 Do you agree trematodes affect the market value? Agree 168 56% Dissagre 132 44% 8 Are you satisfied with the current knowledge Agree 59 19.7% Dissagre 241 80.3% 3.4.4. Respondents practices towards trematode parasite infections Respondents' practices towards controlling trematode infections in sheep showed varied levels of engagement. While 53% of respondents dewormed their sheep, 47% did not. Only 11.7% adjusted grazing practices to reduce the risk of trematode infections, and a smaller proportion (19.3%) drained marshy areas, which are common breeding grounds for snails. Nearly half (46%) of respondents reported losing sheep due to trematodes, but a majority (81.7%) regularly cleaned sheep feces. The use of herbal or traditional drugs was minimal, with only 5% of respondents utilizing them. Quarantining affected sheep was practiced by 42.7% of respondents. However, manual removal or clearing of snails, which is crucial for controlling trematode infections, was not commonly practiced, as 57.3% reported not engaging in this practice (Table 11 ). Table 11 The practices of respondents towards trematode parasite infections No. Questions Respondents Catagories Frequncy(n) Percentages (%) 1 Do you deworm your sheep Yes 159 53% No 141 47% 2 Do you adjust grazing practice Yes 35 11.7% No 265 88.3% 3 Have you drained marshy areas Yes 58 19.3% No 242 80.7% 4 Have you lost sheep due to trematodes Yes 138 46% No 162 54% 5 Have you clean sheep feces Yes 245 81.7% No 55 18.3% 6 Have you used herbal or traditional drugs Yes 15 5% No 285 95% 7 Have you ever quarantined affected sheep Yes 128 42.7% No 172 57.3% The association between respondents’ socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections. Gender, age, and occupation appear to significantly influence the level of understanding and management of trematode infections. Males demonstrated higher levels of knowledge and attitude compared to females, but females were more likely to engage in good practices related to cleaning sheep feces. Younger respondents (aged 15–35) tended to have better knowledge and more practices compared to older groups, possibly due to greater access to education or modern practices. Agricultural workers, while showing moderate levels of knowledge, had a more poor attitude compared to government workers, who generally exhibited better knowledge and attitudes (Table 12 ). Table 12 The association between respondent’s socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections Variables Knowledge Attitude Practices Good Poor Good Poor Good Poor Gender Male 60% 40% 40% 60% 50% 50% Female 30% 70% 20% 80% 40% 60% Age 15–35 50% 50% 45% 55% 60% 40% 36–56 40% 60% 35% 65% 50% 50% 57+ 30% 70% 25% 75% 45% 55% Occupation Government 70% 30% 60% 40% 70% 30% Own business 50% 50% 45% 55% 40% 60% Student 30% 70% 25% 75% 35% 65% Agriculture 40% 60% 30% 70% 45% 55% 3.4.6. The level of association between respondent’s knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections The level of association between respondents' knowledge, attitude, and their practices towards trematode parasite infections. Respondents with good knowledge exhibited a higher percentage of good practices (60%) compared to those with poor knowledge (40%). This association was statistically significant with an AOR of 1.85, indicating that respondents with good knowledge are more likely to engage in appropriate practices. Similarly, respondents with good attitudes towards trematode infections demonstrated better practices (65%) than those with poor attitudes (45%), with an AOR of 2.1, showing a strong association between attitude and practice ( Table 13 ) . Table 13 The level of association between respondent’s knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections Variables Practices Total (%) AOR (95% CI) P-value Good (%) Poor (%) Knowledge Good 60% 40% 100% 1.85 (1.2–2.9) 0.001 Poor 40% 60% 100% 0.95 (0.6–1.5) 0.08 Attitude Good 65% 35% 100% 2.1 (1.5–3.0) 0.0001 Poor 45% 55% 100% 0.8 (0.5–1.2) 0.12 Table 13 Socio demographic characteristics of respondents in the study area No. Profile of Respondent Categories Respondent Frequncy(n) Percentages (%) 1 Gender Male 248 82.67% Female 52 17.33% 2 Age 15–35 125 41.7% 36–56 91 30.3% 57 and above 84 28% 3 Education level Write 76 25.3% Grade 4–6 81 27% Grade 8–12 68 22.6% Certificate & above 20 6.66% No formal education 55 18.3% 4 Occupation Government sector 17 5.6% Own business 22 7.3% Student 46 15.3% Agriculture 215 71.6% 5 Number of flock 2–10 178 59.3% 11–20 82 27.4% Above 21 40 13.3% 4. DISCUSSION Based on coprological examination and the result of this study, the overall prevalence of ovine trematode infections was (42.7%) in the study area. The current prevalence was relatively similar to the previous prevalence of (47.1%) done by ( 20 ) in Debre Brehan Agricultura center. This prevalence was lower than (61%) reported by ( 3 ) in Andassa town and (60.6%) by ( 21 ) in and around Bahir Dar town. However, the current prevalence was higher than (14.4%) done by ( 7 ) in Asela and (35.5%) in various agroecological zone of Ethiopia ( 7 ). This could be due to the regional differences in environmental conditions, intermediate host density, management practices, veterinary extension services and community knowledge ( 14 ). Regarding with specific prevalence, the prevalence ovine fasciloa found tobe (25%). This prevalence was relatively similar with the privous study (26.3%) in the Jimma area of South Western Ethiopia ( 22 ). This prevalence was lower than (30%) in the Awash River Basin ( 23 ), (50.8%) in and Around Chole Woreda ( 24 ), and (39.1%) in Nigeria ( 25 ). But higher than (6.6%) in Mazandaran, northern Iran (Khanjari et al. , 2014) and(13.2%) in Awash ( 26 ). This is due to the study area have marshy water bodies and wet areas that provide favorable conditions for the survival and development of the intermediate host and fasciola . The prevalence of paramphistomum was (14.10%). This prevalence was relatively similar with the privous study (11.7%) in various agroecological zone of Ethiopia ( 7 ). The current study was lower than (50.8%) in and Around Chole Woreda ( 24 ), (39.1%) in Nigeria ( 25 ) and (26.3%) in the Jimma area of South Western Ethiopia ( 22 ). But higher than and (7.7%) in Andassa town ( 3 ). This is due to the presence of an ecologically suitable environment for paramphistomum as well as the interaction between the infected animals and their intermediate hosts. Similarly, the prevalence of schistosoma was found (3.64%). This prevalence was relatively similar with the privous study (6.3%) in Asela of South Western Ethiopia ( 7 ). This prevalence was lower than the previous study done (32%) in Fogera districts ( 7 ). This is due to the presence of suitable breeding site for both intermidate host and the parasites it self. Regarding risk factor analysis, body condition score and grazing area were statistically significant difference (P 0.05) with the prevalence of ovine trematode prasites in the current study area. Logistic regression analysis identified that body condition was significantly associated with the occurance of tremaode parasites. This finding was disagreed with the result of ( 27 , 28 ) and ( 29 ). Sheep with poor body condition score were more affected than other groups of sheep. This result agrees with ( 30 ). The reason might be related to the body defense mechanism of sheep and weak sheep become more suppressed and susceptible which may be due to malnutrition and trematode parasitic infection. In the otherwise, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of trematode parasites between sexes. This study was line with the earlier study of ( 31 ) who found no significant association between sex in Nekemte. Similarlly, age was no significantly varied with prevalence of trematode prasites. This study agree with the past study of ( 7 ) in Asela. Furthermore, study districts was not statically significance with the occurance of ovine trematode prasites. The current study was inconsistence with the past study of ( 7 ) in Asela. This vration is due to stusy area varation. In the current study, morphological characterization of snail intermediate hosts associated with ovine trematode infections revealed the presence of four genera: Lymnaea, Bulinus, Biomphalaria , and Melanoides . Among these, Lymnaea was the most prevalent genus, accounting for 58.7%, followed by Bulinus (18%), Melanoides , and Biomphalaria . These findings are consistent with the work of ( 7 ) who reported Lymnaea, Bulinus , and Biomphalaria in Bantu and Hawassa, and ( 32 ) who identified Lymnaea and Bulinus in and around Welmera. The dominance of Lymnaea in this study further supports its well-established role as the primary intermediate host for Fasciola species, as previously documented by ( 33 ) and ( 34 ). The widespread presence of Lymnaea in marshy and waterlogged areas contributes to the continued transmission of fasciolosis in endemic regions. Moreover, the current findings align with those reported by ( 2 ) who also observed the predominance of Lymnaea in various ecological zones of Ethiopia. The consistent identification of Lymnaea across studies highlights its epidemiological significance in the life cycle of Fasciola spp. and underscores the need for targeted snail control interventions as part of fasciolosis prevention strategies. The Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey revealed that 70% of the respondents were unfamiliar with ovine trematodes, indicating a significant knowledge gap among sheep owners regarding these economically important parasitic diseases. This lack of awareness is consistent with the findings of ( 35 ), who reported poor knowledge about parasitic infections among livestock keepers in Jimma Zone, and ( 36 ), who observed similarly low awareness in Dawro Zone. The low level of education, limited access to veterinary services, and absence of regular extension programs may be contributing factors to this deficiency in knowledge. When asked about the clinical signs of ovine trematode infections, the most frequently mentioned symptom was bottle jaw (38.3%), followed by emaciation (28.3%), diarrhea (18%), weakness (7.3%), and other signs (9.3%). Regarding disease transmission, only 27.7% of the respondents believed that trematode infections could be transmitted within a flock, while 72.3% thought otherwise. Furthermore, only 18.3% of sheep owners had received veterinary advice, whereas a significant majority (81.7%) had never accessed such services. Despite these gaps, 185 respondents acknowledged that understanding ovine trematodes is important, highlighting a willingness to learn, if support is provided. The attitude-based responses revealed that most respondents were not concerned about the health and production losses caused by trematode infections and had little awareness of the disease's prevalence in their area. In terms of practices, many respondents reported that they deworm their sheep regularly and clean feces from the animal shelters, which are positive indicators. However, they did not use herbal or traditional medicines and did not quarantine infected animals, practices that could contribute to the continued spread of trematode infections in the area. This study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings. Firstly, as a cross-sectional study, it provides only a snapshot of the prevalence of ovine trematode infections and snail distribution, without capturing seasonal variations that may affect infection rates and intermediate host abundance. The use of a single diagnostic method the sedimentation technique may have underestimated the true prevalence, particularly in cases of low parasite burden or early-stage infections. In addition, the identification of snail intermediate hosts was based solely on morphological features, which, while practical, may lead to misidentification in the absence of molecular confirmation. The questionnaire survey also relied on self-reported information from sheep owners, which is subject to recall bias and may not accurately reflect actual practices or knowledge. Furthermore, the study was limited geographically to East and West Dembia woredas of the Central Gondar zone, and therefore the findings may not be generalizable to other regions with different ecological and management conditions. 5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION This study revealed a high overall prevalence (42.7%) of ovine trematode infections in the Central Gondar Zone, with Fasciola , Paramphistomum , and Schistosoma being the primary parasites identified. Lymnaea was the predominant snail genus, highlighting its role as a key intermediate host in the region. Additionally, the majority of sheep owners demonstrated limited knowledge and poor practices regarding trematode control, indicating significant gaps in awareness and management. Body condition, age, and grazing area were statistically associated with trematode infection, underscoring their relevance as risk factors. Based on the current study, the following recommendation were forwarded Community education and awareness campaigns should be implemented to improve knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of sheep owners regarding trematode infections and their transmission. Integrated parasite control programs, including regular deworming, improved grazing management, and snail control measures, should be prioritized. Veterinary extension services need to be strengthened to support farmers with proper diagnostics, treatment, and preventive measures. Future studies should include seasonal monitoring and molecular identification of snail species for more precise epidemiological insights. Policymakers should consider allocating resources for public veterinary health outreach programs targeting neglected parasitic diseases like ovine trematodiasis. Declarations Ethics approval and consent to participate Ethical clearance was obtained from the University of Gondar, College of Veterinary Medicine Research Ethics and Review Committee (Ref.No:-CVMAS.Sc/ 17.282024. Permission and verbal informed consent was obtained from all animal owners prior to participation. The collection of fecal samples from sheep were carried out with utmost care to minimize pain and risk to the animals. All procedures adhered to animal welfare standards and followed established protocols. Consent for publication Not applicable Availability of data and materials The datasets for the current study are available from the corresponding author upon request. Competing interests The authors declare that there is no known competing financial interest or personal relationship that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. Funding The authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work. Authors' contributions , Seid Kassaw 1* , Abrham Ayele Tsegaye 1 , Moges Maru 1 , Shemelis Dagnachew 1 Andebet Sechu : Conceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Visualization, Writing– original draft and Writing– Review and editing. Seid Kassaw: Methodology, Investigation, Supervision, Conceptualization, Writing - Review and editing, Writing– original draft. Moges Maru : Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing– Review and Editing, Writing– original draft. Abraham Ayele: Methodology, Supervision, Formal analysis, Writing– Review and Editing, Writing– original draft. Shemelis Dagnachew: Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing– Review and Editing, Writing– original draft. Acknowledgements Not applicable References CSA. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Agricultural Sample Enumeration Statistical Abstract. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. 2020. Mekonnen A, Getahun D, Wudu T. Morphological identification of freshwater snails as intermediate hosts of trematodes in selected districts of Ethiopia. Ethiop Vet J. 2021;25(2):17–28. Aragaw K, Tilahun H. Coprological study of trematode infections and associated host risk factors in cattle during the dry season in and around Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia. Vet Anim Sci. 2019;7(November 2018):1–7. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.vas.2018.11.002 Hiko AM. Review on the biology of Fasciola parasites and the epidemiology on small ruminants. Int J Adv Life Sci Technol. 2016;48:1–9. Bayou K, Geda T. Prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and its associated risk factors in Haranfama municipal abattoir, Girja district, South-Eastern Ethiopia. Int J Anim Sci. 2018;2(2):1–6. Oliveira L, Dias F, Melo A, de Carvalh L, Silva E, Araújo J. Bi-overm® in the Control of Nematodes in Beef Cattle Raised in the Central-West Region of Brazil. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10050548 . PMid:34062798. Pathogens. 2021;10(5):548. Megersa B, Hussein B, Shemsu J, Kassahun R, Merera O, Moje N, et al. Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro- ecological zones in Ethiopia. BMC Vet Res. 2024;20(197):1–13. Biffa D. Ovine helminthosis, a major health constraint to productivity of sheep in Ethiopia. 2006. Molalege B, Nuradis I, Nahili A. Study on the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in and around Dawa-Cheffa, Kemissie. Afr J Agric Res. 2010;5:2981–5. Darraj M. Urinary Bladder Schistosomiasis Mimicking Neoplasm: A Case Report. Med (B Aires). 2022;58(8):1–8. 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Veterinary helminthology: In veterinary Parasitology, (2nd edn), Blackwell science, United Kingdom,. 1996. 102–120. p. Brown D. Freshwater snails of Africa and their medical importance. CRC. 1994. Molaba GG, Molefe-Nyembe NI, Taioe OM, Mofokeng LS, Thekisoe OM, Mtshali K. Molecular detection of Fasciola, Schistosoma, and 45 Paramphisto-mum species from freshwater snails occurring in Gauteng and Free State provinces, South Africa. Veterinary parasitology; 2023. Asrede A, Shifaw Y. Prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in and around Debre Berhan Agricultural Center, Ethiopia. J Vet Med Anim Heal. 2015;7(1):15–20. Yeneneh A, Kebede H, Fentahun T. Prevalence of cattle flukes infection at Andassa Livestock Research Center, Northwest Ethiopia. Vet World. 2012;5(9):560–4. Kedir M, Abunna F, Megersa B. Ovine fasciolosis: Prevalence, risk factors and financial losses due to liver condemnation at Jimma Municipal Abattoir, Southwestern Ethiopia. J Vet Med Anim Heal. 2012;4(6):95–101. Asrat M. Infection prevalence of Fasciola species and other trematodes in cattle in the Awash River Basin and their impact on production. MSc Thesis, Addis Ababa University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Debre Zeit, Ethiopia. 2004. Hussien A, Wubie A, Mulatu G. Prevalence and risk factors of fasciolosis in sheep slaughtered at Chole Woreda, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8(2):434. Isah A. Prevalence and intensity of fascioliasis and paramphistomiasis in slaughtered sheep in Nigeria. Afr J Vet Sci. 2019;48(1):22–8. Ahmed EF, Markos T, Tolosa T. Prevalence and economic significance of fasciolosis in Awash abattoir, Ethiopia. J Vet Med Anim Heal. 2007;9(2):105–9. Basaznew B, Ayalew T, Sisay T. Study on the prevalence of major trematode infections of cattle slaughtered at Gondar Elfora Abattoir, Northern Ethiopia. J Trop Dis Public Heal. 2012;1(4):1–6. Mathewos T, Mesfin R, Mebrie Z. Prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle and its economic significance at Bonga municipal abattoir, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol. 2014;9:1–5. Eyerusalem M, Fufa A, Nigatu K. Study on the prevalence of fasciolosis in small ruminants in and around Assela, South Eastern Ethiopia. Ethiop Vet J. 2012;16(1):85–94. Merawe B, Belay A, Terefe G. Prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis in Fogera district, South Gondar, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol. 2014;5(5):207–15. Turuna T, Adugna T. Prevalence and associated risk factors of ovine fasciolosis in and around Nekemte, Western Ethiopia. Int J Livest Res. 2019;9(3):163–72. Wubishet A. Study on trematode parasites of cattle and sheep and their intermediate snail host in and around Welmera districts, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia Addis Ababa University, MSc thesis, 2024.1-7. Cuadrado RF. Lymnaea species as intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions: biology and control. Parasitol Latinoam. 2015;70(2):15–22. Luka SA, Mbaya AW. A review on the role of Lymnaea species as intermediate hosts of Fasciola hepatica and their control. Vet Res Int. 2015;3(1):11–6. Regassa A, Moje N, Bekele J. Knowledge, attitudes and practices of animal owners toward helminthosis in selected districts of Jimma Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia. J Vet Med Anim Heal. 2015;7(5):187–94. https://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2015.0385 . Tsegaye Y, Mersha C, Dagne M. Knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers toward parasitic helminths of livestock in Dawro zone, southern Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8(3):439. https://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7579.1000439 . Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. 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Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-7370454","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":505969508,"identity":"f621a393-1f37-4f87-bd83-48655b9ed647","order_by":0,"name":"Andebet Sechu","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"University of Gondar","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Andebet","middleName":"","lastName":"Sechu","suffix":""},{"id":505969509,"identity":"6dd0afef-4fbd-47c6-9a51-0d9e39dbcb1c","order_by":1,"name":"Seid 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1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":50820,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eMap of the study area\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image2.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7370454/v1/362e845f6b44a6c498441727.png"},{"id":89969572,"identity":"adf0c83a-f52e-434e-a530-9674643dbae6","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-27 04:56:23","extension":"png","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":24080,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eOverall prvalance of ovine trematode prasites\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7370454/v1/9360ccb020ace7144198ddfd.png"},{"id":89969714,"identity":"6f6bc27b-e099-4051-9fab-ac90f1dba6a4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-27 05:04:22","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":491398,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEggs of intentivifed ovine trematode parasites\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7370454/v1/fd278e726f8b767fa0b9d5e3.png"},{"id":89969559,"identity":"9694838d-aa7e-47ba-b14f-1108e549baaa","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-27 04:56:23","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":496486,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSnail shell of an intermidate host of trematode parasite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"image5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7370454/v1/a6fcf995f7027710c31dbf0e.png"},{"id":89970141,"identity":"b28d3161-35e1-4721-8fcb-b7cd6c9034ea","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-27 05:12:25","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3315605,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7370454/v1/e197700d-3e2c-4d93-a7d9-fea2c8bcb3ed.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Study on Ovine Trematode Infections, Their Snails Shell Characterization and KAPs of Owners in the Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia","fulltext":[{"header":"1. INTRODUCTION","content":"\u003cp\u003eSheep is the second most important livestock species in Ethiopia estimated at 39.89\u0026nbsp;million (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). Despite having a full-size sheep population, Ethiopia is not able to use those resources due to different reasons like periodic droughts, infrastructural challenges, animal disease outbreaks, insufficient nutrition, bad husbandry practices, a shortage of trained manpower, and lack of government rules for disease prevention and control (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). Of these factors, parasitic infections have a great impact on livestock production and welfare. Parasitic infections produced by helminthes, protozoa, and arthropods can cause greater economic losses. Among parasitic disease, trematode infections are produce vast economically impact and affecting health of domestic ruminant such as sheep (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTrematodes are grouped under the phylum Platyhelminthes (Flat worms) and Class trematoda which classified into two main subclasses: monogenea and digenea trematodes. Monogenean trematodes have a direct life cycle and are a class of parasitic flatworms that are commonly found on fishes and lower aquatic invertebrates whereas digenean trematodes have an indirect lifecycle; require the involvement of intermediate host exclusively found in vertebrates and are of considerable veterinary importance (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e). Digenean trematodes comprises a significant veterinary importance parasites like \u003cem\u003eFasciolidae, Dicrocoeliidae, Paramphistomatidae, and Schistosomatidae\u003c/em\u003e. The maximum massive flukes documented from diverse regions of the world are \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e (liver fluke), \u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e (rumen/stomach fluke), and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e (blood fluke) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). The two major families of trematodes, \u003cem\u003eDicrocoelidae\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eFasciolidae\u003c/em\u003e are parasitizing the liver and they requiring intermediate host for the completion of their life cycle. The other families are Praphistomatidae affecting rumen and Schistosomatidae affecting the blood vessel (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese trematode parasites causes a wide range of impacts on sheep such as tissue damage, anemia, reduction of the growth rate and feed conversion, weight loss, metablic problems as wel as decrease in conception and pregnancy rates (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). The trematodes parasites are responsible for great impacts of huge financial loss in the sheep production (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). They have great economic significance worldwide with an estimated economic losses to exceed 2000\u0026nbsp;million dollars yearly; affecting more than 600\u0026nbsp;million animals (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e). In Ethiopia the estimated annual economic loss was reported 48.4\u0026nbsp;million Ethiopian birr (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSnails are invertebrate creatures belonging to the class Gastropoda,genus \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eBulinus\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eMelanoides\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eBiomphalaria\u003c/em\u003e. It is inhabit a variety of locations throughout the world. The fact that snails are intermediate hosts for many diseases that affect both humans and animals has drawn a lot of attention to them. In many tropical and sub-tropical nations, human and animal health is seriously at risk from parasite diseases carried by snails, such as Schistosomiasis and Fascioliasis (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGenerally, ovine trematodes infectious are the most regular parasitic diseases of sheep and distributed in different parts of Africa, Europe, Australia and Asia (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e). In Ethiopia, it found in different parts of the country and also various studies are conducted such as (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e) in Menz (70.2%) \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e, (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e) in Fogera (1.5%) \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e, (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e) in Kutaber (33.6%) \u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e) in west Wollega (20.9%) \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e. Trematodes can cause huge economic loss by mortality and loss of production. Trematode parasite infections in Ethiopia is very frequent and causes a significant health problem and economic loss either in production loss or decrease productivity.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlthough considerable research has been conducted on various trematode infections in cattle, studies on sheep have mainly focused on reporting the prevalence and economic importance of specific trematodes, particularly fasciolosis. Moreover, no previous research or documented information exists regarding ovine trematode infections in the two selected districts of the Central Gondar Zone. This study is novel in its integrated approach to investigating ovine trematode infections by combining coprological examination, snail intermediate host identification, and a knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey among sheep owners in the Central Gondar Zone. Unlike previous studies that focused solely on prevalence, this research uniquely assesses the morphological characterization of snail vectors, providing insight into the local intermediate host ecology. Additionally, the incorporation of a community-based KAP assessment offers valuable information on how local practices and awareness levels may influence the transmission dynamics of trematode parasites. Thus, The aim of this study were to determined the prevalence, to identify the snail intermediate hosts and to asseses owner\u0026rsquo;s KAPs of ovine trematode infections in the two selected districts of Central Gondar zone.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. MATERIALS AND METHODS","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1. Study Area and Study Period\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe study was conducted from March 2024 to January 2025 in the central Gondar zone which was East Dembia and West Dembia, North West Ethiopia (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e). East Dembia and West Dembia are located at distance of 762 km and 779 km from Addis Ababa respectively. It is located at 12\u0026deg; 17\u0026rsquo; North latitude and 37\u0026deg; 27\u0026rsquo; East longitude and has an elevation of 1884 meter above sea level. The mean minimum and maximum temperature are 12.37\u0026deg;C and 26.27\u0026deg;C, respectively. The area is rich in many rivers and the southern parts of these districts of 14 peasant associations border is Lake Tana, which makes the districts most irrigated and marshy. The districts also have a lot of communal and private grazing lands near to Lake Tana and other many rivers which is suitable for the intermediate host for parasites. There were 108,125 sheep, according to both districts livestock resource development office report (2024).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.2. Study Design and Study population\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eA cross-sectional study was employed from March 2024 to February 2025 in the two selected districts of central Gondar zone, North West Ethiopia to assess the current status of the prevalence, their intermediate snail host and owner\u0026rsquo;s perception of ovine trematodes. The study animals were sheep which kept under extensive management system with different age, sex, and body conditions. Different age of sheep classified as (young\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;2 years), adult greater than or equal to 2 years) (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e). Similarly, the body condition of sheep was grouped in to good, medium and poor based on the criteria set by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.3. Sample Size Determination\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sample size for fecal examination was calculated according to the following formula (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e). Since there was no previous documented information about the prevalence and KAPs of ovine trematodes in the study area, it was calculated using 50% expected prevalence with 5% desired level of precision and a 95% confidence interval.\u003cdiv id=\"Equa\" class=\"Equation\"\u003e\u003cdiv format=\"TEX\" class=\"mathdisplay\" id=\"FileID_Equa\" name=\"EquationSource\"\u003e\n$$\\:\\text{n}=\\frac{{\\left(1.96\\right)}^{2}Pexp(1-Pexp)}{d\u0026sup2;}$$\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere: n is required sample size; Pexp is expected prevalence and d is desired absolute precision. Accordingly, the sample sizes would be 384 sheep.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe sample size for the questionnaire survey determine by using the formula developed by (Arsham, 2005).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eN\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.25/ SE\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhere, N\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Sample size SE\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;Standard error (0.05). Therefor the calculated sample size would be 100 sheep owners. But, to increase the precisions of the data, samples would be made it triple. Therefore, the total number of respondents would be 300.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.4. Sampling techniques\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe two study districts East Dembia and West Dembia were purposively selected by considering availability of distance from the parasitological laboratories, transport accessibility, irrigation activities, and availability of sheep population. The 10 study kebelle administration (5 from each districts) were selected by using simple random sampling method. The number of sheep from each districts and kebelle administration were selected proportionally based on total population of sheep available. Based on this, 190 sheep from five kebelles of East Denbia district suchas from Achera (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e), Guramba Bata (40), Jangua (40), Adisgie (40), Seraba (40)) and 194 sheep from five kebelles West Denbia district that mean (Cherger (40), Messkelechirstos (40), Abirjha (40), Darna (40) and Gawurna (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e) were incorporated in the study. Additionally, The 300 sheep owners were selected randomly from each peasant associations (30 respondants for each selected kebeles).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5. Data collection and Examination\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5.1. Coprological examination\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFresh fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of sheep or freshly ovoid faeces by using disposable glove after proper resrain of the sheep and was placed in the 10% formalin preserved universal sampling bottle. The date of collection, owners name, species, sex, age, body condition of the sheep and sample number was recorded. Then, the sample was put in ice box with ice, and immediately transported to Kolladiba district veterinary clinic laboratory for coprological examination and the faecal sample was stored\u0026thinsp;+\u0026thinsp;4 degree Celsius until it had processed and examined. The faecal sedimentation technique was used to detect the presence of trematode eggs by dilution of the faecal suspension and sedimentation of the eggs, which are heavier than most of the faecal particles (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e). A drop of methylene blue solution (1%) was added to the sediment to differentiated between eggs of paramphistome species and fasciola species. Paramphistome species eggs was stained with methylene blue and the granules was translucent, whereas fasciola species eggs with yellowish in color and transfered the sediment to a micro slide and covered with a coverslip and examine under microscope (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5.2. Snail Collection and Identification\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eSnails were directly collected from the study area. Water-visible snails floating on the water's surface and moist mud, vegetation, and leaf litter were picked by hand using a glove. Collections were made during early morning and late afternoon, periods of high snail activity. Each collection site was recorded with detailed information about the location, type of water body, and date of collection. The collected snails were placed in labeled plastic containers with adequate vegetation and a small amount of water from the collection site to maintain their natural habitat conditions. These containers were then transported to the parasitology laboratory at University Gondar for further analysis. The shell was then identified using the shell's morphological features including parameters such as shell size, number of whorls, shell shape, surface characteristics, aperture, colours and patterns were employed for this purpose (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.5.3. Questionnaire survey\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestionnaire survey was conducted on 300 sheep owners using semi structured questionnaire. In this survey the respondents was asked regarding their knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about the disease and their control practice of the diseases. The questionnaire was prepared by English and translated to Amharic and then it was administered to the respondents by face to face interview. The questionnaire was had four parts: socio demographic (age, sex, educational status, marital status, sheep keeping experience, knowledge, attitude and practice questions. Generally, the questions of KAP section was focused on the knowledge about trematodes infections in sheep, the common route of transmission, the season when the disease was more prevalent, management system, management practices, grazing type, the effect of the disease, treatment, control and prevention practices. It was analysed through descriptive statistics.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.6. Data management and analysis\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eData was entered and managed in Microsoft Excel 2010 worksheet. The data was analyzed using the version of STATA software version (14.0). A descriptive statistical analysis would be used to summarize and present the collected data. Binary Logistic Regression a analysis would be used to measure the association among each categorical variable and the occurrences of ovine trematode parasites. In order to consider a result to be statistically significant, 95% CI and p-value\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05 an odd ratio was considered.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. RESULT","content":"\u003cdiv id=\"Sec13\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.1. Overall Coprological Prevalance\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong 384 sheep examined, the overall prevalence of trematode infections was 42.7% (95%CI: 37.8\u0026ndash;47.6). Of the 164 positive cases, 81.1% showed clinical signs, while 18.9% were asymptomatic. Emaciation or weight loss (19.5%), pale mucus membranes (17.1%), and bottle jaw (14.0%) were the most frequently observed clinical signs. Less common signs included diarrhea, rough hair coat and straining with rectal bleeding respectively, emphasizing the clinical diversity of trematode infections \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver all prevalence of trematode parasite infections in sheep regarding clinical sign\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCondition of sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eType of clinical sign observed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNumber positive\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrevalence % (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWith clinical sign\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottle jaw\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.0% (8.8\u0026ndash;19.3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePale mucus membrane\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.1% (11.4\u0026ndash;22.7)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmaciation / weight loss\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.5% (13.4\u0026ndash;25.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiarrhea\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.6% (6.8\u0026ndash;16.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRough hair coat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.1% (4.7\u0026ndash;13.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStraining with rectal bleeding\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.7% (0.8\u0026ndash;6.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMixed\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.1% (2.4\u0026ndash;9.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal with signs\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e133\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.1% (75.1\u0026ndash;87.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eWithout clinical sign\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo clinical sign\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.9% (12.9\u0026ndash;24.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOverall total\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e164\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.7% (37.8\u0026ndash;47.6)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong sheep infected with trematode parasites, the most frequently observed clinical signs varied by parasite species. \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e infection was predominantly associated with bottle jaw (9.8%), emaciation (12.0%), and pale mucous membranes (9.8%). \u003cem\u003eParamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e infections commonly presented with pale mucous membranes (4.5%) and diarrhea (4.5%). \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e infections were frequently linked to straining with rectal bleeding (3.0%). These findings suggest that while some signs overlap, certain clinical manifestations are more indicative of specific trematode infections in sheep \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDistribution of clinical signs among sheep positive for different trematode species (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;164)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eType of clinical signs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMixed N (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottle jaw\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13 (9.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (3.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (3.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeight loss\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16 (12.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (4.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (3.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7 (5.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePale mucous membrane\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13 (9.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (4.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (3.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiarrhea\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8 (6.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (4.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRough hair coat\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6 (4.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (3.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStraining with rectal bleeding\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0 (0.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (3.0%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMixed signs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOther signs (\u0026mdash;)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3 (2.3%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (1.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1 (0.8%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"5\"\u003eN\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;number of positive, P(%)\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;prevalence\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAmong 384 examined sheep, the overall prevalence of trematode infection was 42.7%. Three ovine trematode parasites were identified through coprological analysis were \u003cem\u003eFasciola, Paramphistomum\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e had the highest prevalence at 25%, followed by \u003cem\u003eParamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e at 14%, and Schistosoma at 3.64% (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegarding the relative proportion of identified trematode parasites in single infections, \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e species were the most prevalent, infecting 17.7% of sheep, followed by \u003cem\u003eParamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e species at 11.2%, and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e species at 5.5%. Mixed infections were less common, with dual infections of \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e observed in 3.4% of cases. Triple infections involving \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e were rare, recorded in only 1.3% of infected sheep. This pattern highlights \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e as the dominant trematode parasite in the study population in \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eError! Not a valid bookmark self-reference.\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRelative prevalence of trematode parasites in sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTypes of trematode parasites identified\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. positive sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrevalence (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95% CI\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14.0\u0026ndash;21.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e43\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.2%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8.0\u0026ndash;14.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.2\u0026ndash;7.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.6\u0026ndash;5.2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.1%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.7\u0026ndash;3.5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eParamphistomes\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.3\u0026ndash;2.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFasciola, Paramphistomes\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2\u0026ndash;2.4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e164\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e42.7%\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e37.7\u0026ndash;47.7\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.2. Prevalance of trematodes prasites associated with risk factors\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdult sheep were significantly more likely to be infected compared to young sheep (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.09, 95% CI: 1.23\u0026ndash;8.54, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.021). Poor body condition showed a strong positive association with trematode infection (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;189, 95% CI: 22.45\u0026ndash;456.21, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Sheep grazing on marshy areas were almost 20 times more likely to harbor trematodes than those grazing on dry areas (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19.86, 95% CI: 10.84\u0026ndash;36.20, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Sex and district were not significantly associated with overall infection \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLogistic regression analysis of potential risk factors associated with overall trematode parasite prevalence in sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRisk factors\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. of examined sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. positive sheep (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDistrict\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEast Dembia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e194\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82 (42.27%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.69 (0.56\u0026ndash;3.04)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.310\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWest Dembia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e190\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82 (43.16%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSex\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e260\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e112 (43.08%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.80 (0.91\u0026ndash;2.90)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.091\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52 (41.94%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdult\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e317\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142 (44.79%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.09 (1.23\u0026ndash;8.54)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYoung\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22 (32.84%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody condition\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42 (87.5%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e189 (22.45\u0026ndash;456.21)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e336\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e122 (25.60%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrazing area\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarshy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e174\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e104 (56.90%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.86 (10.84\u0026ndash;36.20)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60 (22.86%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eTotal\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e384\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e164 (42.70%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"6\"\u003eAOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;adjusted odd ratio, % = percentage, 1\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;reference\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLogistic regression analysis indicated that poor body condition was strongly associated with Fasciola infection (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;189, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Adult sheep were about four times more likely to harbor Fasciola compared to young ones (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.09, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.021). Marshy grazing areas significantly increased the risk of Paramphistomum infection (OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19.86, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001). Other factors such as sex and district were not significantly associated with infection by the three trematode genera \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLogistic regression analysis of potential risk factor with each genus of trematode parasites of sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"12\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c8\" colnum=\"8\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c9\" colnum=\"9\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c10\" colnum=\"10\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c11\" colnum=\"11\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c12\" colnum=\"12\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRiskfactor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatagories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo.of examined\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c6\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c9\" namest=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eParamphistomum\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c12\" namest=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. positive (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. positive (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP -value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. pos itive (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOR\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP \u0026ndash; value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDistrict\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWest Dembia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e190\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21(10.82)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e51(26.29)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10 (5.26)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEast \u0026ndash; Dembia\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e194\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33(17.01)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.73\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.067\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45(23.68)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.69\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.556\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4 (2.06)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.094\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eSex\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e124\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 (9.67)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31 (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9 (3.46)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e260\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42(16.15)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.091\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65(\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.00\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5 (4.03)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.898\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.078\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYoung\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3(87.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79(24.92)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12 (3.79)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAdult\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e317\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e67(21.1)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4.09\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.021\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17(25.37)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10.02\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.938\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2 (2.99)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.758\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.2016\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBody condition\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42(87.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e189\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11 (22.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.211\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4(8.33)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.97\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.751\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e336\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12(3.57)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85(25.29)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10(2.99)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGrazing area\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e24(11.43)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34(16.19)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7(3.33)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e-\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMarshy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e174\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30(17.24)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.62\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.105\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e62(35.63)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.86\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c9\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c10\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7(4.02)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3.45\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c12\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.178\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003ctfoot\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd colspan=\"12\"\u003e% = prevalence, OR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;odd ratio\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tfoot\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.3. Identifications of Snail Intermidate Hosts\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis table highlights the diagnostic shell characteristics of key freshwater snails. Lymnaea species vary in shape from ovate-conical \u003cem\u003e(L. natalensis)\u003c/em\u003e to short and rugged \u003cem\u003e(L. truncatula)\u003c/em\u003e, while \u003cem\u003eRadix auricularia\u003c/em\u003e is notable for its wide whorls and pale striated surface. \u003cem\u003eBulinus truncatus\u003c/em\u003e exhibits a smooth, elongated form with a blunted apex, whereas Biomphalaria pfeifferi stands out with its flat, discoidal, sinistral shell. \u003cem\u003eMelanoides tuberculata\u003c/em\u003e is easily recognized by its pointed, conical shape and spiraled ridges. These morphological traits are essential for species identification, especially when assessing their roles as intermediate hosts of trematode parasites \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab6\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 6\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSnail shell morphological characteristics of identifind intermidate host (snail) of trematodes parasites of sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSnail types\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSnail shell morphological features\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eLymnaea\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLymnaea natalensis\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLarge, ovate-conical in shape, with a pointed apex and several distinct whorls, light with irregular brown banding surface and large and oval aperture as shown (topmost snail (center-top) and bottom right snail in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eA\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eLymnaea truncatula\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eShorter, more rounded than others; thinner spire, dark brown and more rugged in texture and relatively small in aperture as shown (left middle snail in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eA).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eRadix auricularia\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eConical with wider whorls in shape; gently tapering spire, pale beige with clear spiral striations in surface, wide and rounded as shown (bottom left snail) Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eA\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBulinus\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBulinus truncatus\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium sized, smooth, elongated spire in shape, dark brown in color surface, blunted apex, D shape aperture shown at the bottom in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eB.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eBiomphalaria\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBiomphalaria pffiferi\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMedium sized, discoidal (flat, coin-shaped) shell, sinistral with a sunken spire, broadly crescent-shaped aperture, yellow brownish in color and acks an operculum in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eD\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eMelanoides\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMelanoides tuberculata\u003c/em\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eElongated and distinctly conical in shape, tapering to a pointed apex, multiple distinct, rounded whorls are visible, spiral striations or ridges, ovate to teardrop-shaped aperture brown color and a blunted or eroded apex in \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eFig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003eC\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe table presents the distribution of snail species collected from a total of 300 specimens. Lymnaea was the most prevalent genus (58.7%, 95% CI: 52.9\u0026ndash;64.3), followed by Bulinus (18.0%), Melanoides (15.0%), and Biomphalaria (8.3%). These findings suggest Lymnaea as the dominant intermediate host species, potentially posing a higher risk for trematode transmission in the study area \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e).\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003ctable id=\"Tab7\" border=\"1\"\u003e\n \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 7\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSnail category and their occurrence in the study areas\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/caption\u003e\n \u003cthead\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eSnails category\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003eFrequecy\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003ePercentage(%)\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003cth align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e95%CI\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/th\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/thead\u003e\n \u003ctbody\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLymnaea\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e176\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e58.7\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e52.9\u0026ndash;64.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBulinus\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e13.9\u0026ndash;22.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBiomphalaria\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e8.3\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e5.5\u0026ndash;11.9\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMelanoides\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e45\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\n \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\"\u003e11.2\u0026ndash;19.6\u003c/div\u003e\n \u003c/div\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003ctr\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e300\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003ctd align=\"left\"\u003e\n \u003cp\u003e-------\u003c/p\u003e\n \u003c/td\u003e\n \u003c/tr\u003e\n \u003c/tbody\u003e\n \u003c/table\u003e\n\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4. Results of Questionnaire Survey\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4.1. Socio-demographic characteristics\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe descriptive analysis of Table \u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e. has encompassed different demographic profile of the respondents. Out of 300 respondents, the majority were male (82.67%). Most participants were within the 15\u0026ndash;35 years age group (41.7%), followed by 36\u0026ndash;56 years (30.3%). Regarding education, 27% had attended Grade 4\u0026ndash;6, while 18.3% had no formal education. Agriculture was the dominant occupation (71.6%), and most respondents kept 2\u0026ndash;10 sheep in their flock (59.3%) (\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab8\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 8\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSocio demographic characteristics of respondents in the study area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProfile of Respondent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequncy(n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentages (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e248\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82.67%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.33%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57 and above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWrite\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrade 4\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrade 8\u0026ndash;12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCertificate \u0026amp; above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.66%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOccupation\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGovernment sector\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwn business\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgriculture\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e215\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of flock\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e178\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u0026ndash;20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbove 21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4.2. Respondents knowledge towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe majority of respondents (70%) were unfamiliar with ovine trematodes and 72.3% lacked confidence in identifying infections. While 38.3% recognized \"bottle jaw\" as a sign, only 18.3% sought veterinary advice. Most (68.3%) reported implementing preventive measures despite limited training exposure (only 1.7% trained). Furthermore, 61.7% believed knowledge about trematodes was important, and 64% stated infections affected daily sheep management. Awareness about snail involvement as intermediate hosts was notably low (18.3%) \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e .\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab9\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 9\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe knowledge of respondents towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestions\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eResondants\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatagories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequncy(n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentages (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you famillar with ovine trematodes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat signs do you know with ovine trematodes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEmaciation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWeakness\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBottle jaw\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e196\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDiarrhoea\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOthers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you cofident to identify trematode infectios in your sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e83\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e217\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e72.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you know trematodes spreads within the sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e88\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e29.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e212\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you brought veterinary advice about tretments of ovine trematodes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e245\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you implemented any preventive measures\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e205\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you ever participated in any training\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e295\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e98.3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIs important to know about ovine trematodes than other sheep diseases\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e185\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e61.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e115\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eIs there any impact on your daily sheep management\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e192\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e64%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e108\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eare you satisfied with the treatments\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you know snails?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e245\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4.3. The attitude of respondents towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe majority of respondents (71.7%) did not believe that trematodes impact sheep health, and 63.7% thought trematodes did not affect overall productivity. A lack of awareness about the prevalence of trematodes was evident, with 78.3% not knowing it. Discussions among sheep owners were limited (74% not participating), and while 70% agreed that controlling trematodes is challenging, only 52.7% recognized the importance of early detection and treatment. Over half (56%) agreed that trematodes impact market value. Despite these attitudes, 80.3% expressed dissatisfaction with their current knowledge of the issue, highlighting a significant gap in awareness \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab10\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 10\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe attitude of respondents towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestions\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatagories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequncy(n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentages (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you believe trematodes impact the health of sheep?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e85\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e215\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you believe it affects the over all productivity and productions\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e109\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e191\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you know the overall prevalence\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e235\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you discuss with other sheep owners\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e78\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e222\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e74%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you agree the challenges to control\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e210\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e90\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you think that early detection and treatment of trematodes is important?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e158\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e142\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you agree trematodes affect the market value?\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e168\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e56%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e132\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAre you satisfied with the current knowledge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgree\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDissagre\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e241\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec20\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4.4. Respondents practices towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents' practices towards controlling trematode infections in sheep showed varied levels of engagement. While 53% of respondents dewormed their sheep, 47% did not. Only 11.7% adjusted grazing practices to reduce the risk of trematode infections, and a smaller proportion (19.3%) drained marshy areas, which are common breeding grounds for snails. Nearly half (46%) of respondents reported losing sheep due to trematodes, but a majority (81.7%) regularly cleaned sheep feces. The use of herbal or traditional drugs was minimal, with only 5% of respondents utilizing them. Quarantining affected sheep was practiced by 42.7% of respondents. However, manual removal or clearing of snails, which is crucial for controlling trematode infections, was not commonly practiced, as 57.3% reported not engaging in this practice (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab11\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab11\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 11\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe practices of respondents towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eQuestions\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondents\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCatagories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequncy(n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentages (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you deworm your sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e159\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e53%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e141\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e47%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you adjust grazing practice\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e265\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e88.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you drained marshy areas\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e58\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e242\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you lost sheep due to trematodes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e138\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e162\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e54%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you clean sheep feces\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e245\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you used herbal or traditional drugs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e285\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e95%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHave you ever quarantined affected sheep\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e128\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e42.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e172\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003col\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe association between respondents\u0026rsquo; socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGender, age, and occupation appear to significantly influence the level of understanding and management of trematode infections. Males demonstrated higher levels of knowledge and attitude compared to females, but females were more likely to engage in good practices related to cleaning sheep feces. Younger respondents (aged 15\u0026ndash;35) tended to have better knowledge and more practices compared to older groups, possibly due to greater access to education or modern practices. Agricultural workers, while showing moderate levels of knowledge, had a more poor attitude compared to government workers, who generally exhibited better knowledge and attitudes (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab12\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab12\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 12\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe association between respondent\u0026rsquo;s socio-demographic characteristics and their knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"7\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c7\" colnum=\"7\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnowledge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAttitude\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c7\" namest=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePractices\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e80%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57+\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOccupation\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGovernment\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwn business\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e50%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e75%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgriculture\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e70%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c7\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec21\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e3.4.6. The level of association between respondent\u0026rsquo;s knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe level of association between respondents' knowledge, attitude, and their practices towards trematode parasite infections. Respondents with good knowledge exhibited a higher percentage of good practices (60%) compared to those with poor knowledge (40%). This association was statistically significant with an AOR of 1.85, indicating that respondents with good knowledge are more likely to engage in appropriate practices. Similarly, respondents with good attitudes towards trematode infections demonstrated better practices (65%) than those with poor attitudes (45%), with an AOR of 2.1, showing a strong association between attitude and practice \u003cb\u003e(\u003c/b\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab14\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003cb\u003e)\u003c/b\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab13\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 13\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe level of association between respondent\u0026rsquo;s knowledge, attitude, and practices towards trematode parasite infections\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"6\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c6\" colnum=\"6\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eVariables\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c3\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePractices\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTotal (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAOR (95% CI)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eP-value\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKnowledge\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1.85 (1.2\u0026ndash;2.9)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e60%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.95 (0.6\u0026ndash;1.5)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.08\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAttitude\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e65%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e35%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2.1 (1.5\u0026ndash;3.0)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.0001\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePoor\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e45%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e100%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.8 (0.5\u0026ndash;1.2)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0.12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab14\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 13\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSocio demographic characteristics of respondents in the study area\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eProfile of Respondent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCategories\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eRespondent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFrequncy(n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePercentages (%)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e1\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eGender\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e248\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82.67%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFemale\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e52\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17.33%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e2\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAge\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u0026ndash;35\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41.7%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u0026ndash;56\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e91\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e57 and above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e84\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eEducation level\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWrite\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrade 4\u0026ndash;6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e81\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGrade 8\u0026ndash;12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCertificate \u0026amp; above\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6.66%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo formal education\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e55\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOccupation\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGovernment sector\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOwn business\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eStudent\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAgriculture\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e215\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71.6%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e5\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eNumber of flock\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u0026ndash;10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e178\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u0026ndash;20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27.4%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbove 21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13.3%\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. DISCUSSION","content":"\u003cp\u003eBased on coprological examination and the result of this study, the overall prevalence of ovine trematode infections was (42.7%) in the study area. The current prevalence was relatively similar to the previous prevalence of (47.1%) done by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e) in Debre Brehan Agricultura center. This prevalence was lower than (61%) reported by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) in Andassa town and (60.6%) by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e) in and around Bahir Dar town. However, the current prevalence was higher than (14.4%) done by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) in Asela and (35.5%) in various agroecological zone of Ethiopia (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). This could be due to the regional differences in environmental conditions, intermediate host density, management practices, veterinary extension services and community knowledge (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegarding with specific prevalence, the prevalence ovine \u003cem\u003efasciloa\u003c/em\u003e found tobe (25%). This prevalence was relatively similar with the privous study (26.3%) in the Jimma area of South Western Ethiopia (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e). This prevalence was lower than (30%) in the Awash River Basin (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e), (50.8%) in and Around Chole Woreda (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e), and (39.1%) in Nigeria (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e). But higher than (6.6%) in Mazandaran, northern Iran (Khanjari \u003cem\u003eet al.\u003c/em\u003e, 2014) and(13.2%) in Awash (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e). This is due to the study area have marshy water bodies and wet areas that provide favorable conditions for the survival and development of the intermediate host and \u003cem\u003efasciola\u003c/em\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe prevalence of \u003cem\u003eparamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e was (14.10%). This prevalence was relatively similar with the privous study (11.7%) in various agroecological zone of Ethiopia (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). The current study was lower than (50.8%) in and Around Chole Woreda (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e), (39.1%) in Nigeria (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e) and (26.3%) in the Jimma area of South Western Ethiopia (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e). But higher than and (7.7%) in Andassa town (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e). This is due to the presence of an ecologically suitable environment for \u003cem\u003eparamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e as well as the interaction between the infected animals and their intermediate hosts. Similarly, the prevalence of \u003cem\u003eschistosoma\u003c/em\u003e was found (3.64%). This prevalence was relatively similar with the privous study (6.3%) in Asela of South Western Ethiopia (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). This prevalence was lower than the previous study done (32%) in Fogera districts (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e). This is due to the presence of suitable breeding site for both intermidate host and the parasites it self.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegarding risk factor analysis, body condition score and grazing area were statistically significant difference (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.05), while district, sex and age were not statistically significant difference (P\u0026thinsp;\u0026gt;\u0026thinsp;0.05) with the prevalence of ovine trematode prasites in the current study area. Logistic regression analysis identified that body condition was significantly associated with the occurance of tremaode parasites. This finding was disagreed with the result of (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e) and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e). Sheep with poor body condition score were more affected than other groups of sheep. This result agrees with (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e). The reason might be related to the body defense mechanism of sheep and weak sheep become more suppressed and susceptible which may be due to malnutrition and trematode parasitic infection.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the otherwise, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of trematode parasites between sexes. This study was line with the earlier study of (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e) who found no significant association between sex in Nekemte. Similarlly, age was no significantly varied with prevalence of trematode prasites. This study agree with the past study of (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) in Asela. Furthermore, study districts was not statically significance with the occurance of ovine trematode prasites. The current study was inconsistence with the past study of (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) in Asela. This vration is due to stusy area varation.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the current study, morphological characterization of snail intermediate hosts associated with ovine trematode infections revealed the presence of four genera: \u003cem\u003eLymnaea, Bulinus, Biomphalaria\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eMelanoides\u003c/em\u003e. Among these, \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e was the most prevalent genus, accounting for 58.7%, followed by \u003cem\u003eBulinus\u003c/em\u003e (18%), \u003cem\u003eMelanoides\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eBiomphalaria\u003c/em\u003e. These findings are consistent with the work of (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e) who reported \u003cem\u003eLymnaea, Bulinus\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eBiomphalaria\u003c/em\u003e in Bantu and Hawassa, and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e) who identified \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eBulinus\u003c/em\u003e in and around Welmera.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe dominance of \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e in this study further supports its well-established role as the primary intermediate host for \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e species, as previously documented by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e) and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e). The widespread presence of \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e in marshy and waterlogged areas contributes to the continued transmission of fasciolosis in endemic regions. Moreover, the current findings align with those reported by (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) who also observed the predominance of \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e in various ecological zones of Ethiopia. The consistent identification of \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e across studies highlights its epidemiological significance in the life cycle of \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e spp. and underscores the need for targeted snail control interventions as part of fasciolosis prevention strategies.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) survey revealed that 70% of the respondents were unfamiliar with ovine trematodes, indicating a significant knowledge gap among sheep owners regarding these economically important parasitic diseases. This lack of awareness is consistent with the findings of (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e), who reported poor knowledge about parasitic infections among livestock keepers in Jimma Zone, and (\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e), who observed similarly low awareness in Dawro Zone. The low level of education, limited access to veterinary services, and absence of regular extension programs may be contributing factors to this deficiency in knowledge.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen asked about the clinical signs of ovine trematode infections, the most frequently mentioned symptom was bottle jaw (38.3%), followed by emaciation (28.3%), diarrhea (18%), weakness (7.3%), and other signs (9.3%). Regarding disease transmission, only 27.7% of the respondents believed that trematode infections could be transmitted within a flock, while 72.3% thought otherwise. Furthermore, only 18.3% of sheep owners had received veterinary advice, whereas a significant majority (81.7%) had never accessed such services. Despite these gaps, 185 respondents acknowledged that understanding ovine trematodes is important, highlighting a willingness to learn, if support is provided.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe attitude-based responses revealed that most respondents were not concerned about the health and production losses caused by trematode infections and had little awareness of the disease's prevalence in their area. In terms of practices, many respondents reported that they deworm their sheep regularly and clean feces from the animal shelters, which are positive indicators. However, they did not use herbal or traditional medicines and did not quarantine infected animals, practices that could contribute to the continued spread of trematode infections in the area.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis study has several limitations that should be considered when interpreting the findings. Firstly, as a cross-sectional study, it provides only a snapshot of the prevalence of ovine trematode infections and snail distribution, without capturing seasonal variations that may affect infection rates and intermediate host abundance. The use of a single diagnostic method the sedimentation technique may have underestimated the true prevalence, particularly in cases of low parasite burden or early-stage infections. In addition, the identification of snail intermediate hosts was based solely on morphological features, which, while practical, may lead to misidentification in the absence of molecular confirmation. The questionnaire survey also relied on self-reported information from sheep owners, which is subject to recall bias and may not accurately reflect actual practices or knowledge. Furthermore, the study was limited geographically to East and West Dembia woredas of the Central Gondar zone, and therefore the findings may not be generalizable to other regions with different ecological and management conditions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"5. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION","content":"\u003cp\u003eThis study revealed a high overall prevalence (42.7%) of ovine trematode infections in the Central Gondar Zone, with \u003cem\u003eFasciola\u003c/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eParamphistomum\u003c/em\u003e, and \u003cem\u003eSchistosoma\u003c/em\u003e being the primary parasites identified. Lymnaea was the predominant snail genus, highlighting its role as a key intermediate host in the region. Additionally, the majority of sheep owners demonstrated limited knowledge and poor practices regarding trematode control, indicating significant gaps in awareness and management. Body condition, age, and grazing area were statistically associated with trematode infection, underscoring their relevance as risk factors.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased on the current study, the following recommendation were forwarded\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunity education and awareness campaigns should be implemented to improve knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAP) of sheep owners regarding trematode infections and their transmission.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eIntegrated parasite control programs, including regular deworming, improved grazing management, and snail control measures, should be prioritized.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eVeterinary extension services need to be strengthened to support farmers with proper diagnostics, treatment, and preventive measures.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFuture studies should include seasonal monitoring and molecular identification of snail species for more precise epidemiological insights.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003ePolicymakers should consider allocating resources for public veterinary health outreach programs targeting neglected parasitic diseases like ovine trematodiasis.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEthics approval and consent to participate\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEthical clearance was obtained from the University of Gondar, College of Veterinary Medicine Research Ethics and Review Committee (Ref.No:-CVMAS.Sc/ 17.282024. Permission and verbal informed consent was obtained from all animal owners prior to participation. The collection of fecal samples from sheep were carried out with utmost care to minimize pain and risk to the animals. All procedures adhered to animal welfare standards and followed established protocols.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConsent for publication\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability of data and materials\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe datasets for the current study are available from the corresponding author upon request.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors declare that there is no known competing financial interest or personal relationship that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFunding\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe authors did not receive support from any organization for the submitted work.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAuthors\u0026apos; contributions\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e, Seid Kassaw\u003csup\u003e1*\u003c/sup\u003e, Abrham Ayele Tsegaye\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e, Moges Maru\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e, Shemelis Dagnachew\u003csup\u003e1\u003c/sup\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAndebet Sechu\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eConceptualization, Data curation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Methodology, Visualization, Writing\u0026ndash; original draft and Writing\u0026ndash; Review and editing.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Seid Kassaw:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMethodology, Investigation, Supervision, Conceptualization, Writing - Review and editing, Writing\u0026ndash; original draft. \u003cstrong\u003eMoges Maru\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e:\u003c/strong\u003e Conceptualization, Methodology, Formal analysis, Writing\u0026ndash; Review and Editing, Writing\u0026ndash; original draft. \u003cstrong\u003eAbraham Ayele:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eMethodology, Supervision,\u0026nbsp;Formal analysis, Writing\u0026ndash; Review and Editing, Writing\u0026ndash; original draft.\u003cstrong\u003e\u0026nbsp;Shemelis Dagnachew:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003eConceptualization, Methodology,\u0026nbsp;Formal analysis, Writing\u0026ndash; Review and Editing, Writing\u0026ndash; original draft.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAcknowledgements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable\u0026nbsp;\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCSA. 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J Vet Med Anim Heal. 2015;7(5):187\u0026ndash;94. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.5897/JVMAH2015.0385\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.5897/JVMAH2015.0385\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTsegaye Y, Mersha C, Dagne M. Knowledge, attitude and practices of farmers toward parasitic helminths of livestock in Dawro zone, southern Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol. 2017;8(3):439. \u003cspan class=\"ExternalRef\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"RefSource\"\u003ehttps://doi.org/10.4172/2157-7579.1000439\u003c/span\u003e\u003cspan address=\"10.4172/2157-7579.1000439\" targettype=\"DOI\" class=\"RefTarget\"\u003e\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":true,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-veterinary-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Veterinary Research](http://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"12917","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12917/3?","title":"BMC Veterinary Research","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Coprology, Dembia woreda, Ovine trematodes, Prevalence, Snail","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7370454/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7370454/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eOvine trematode infections are among the most common parasitic diseases of sheep, causing significant health problems, production losses, and economic impacts. Therefore, a cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2024 to February 2025 in East and West Dembia woredas of the Central Gondar Zone. The aim of this study were to determine the burden of ovine trematodes, characterize the morphology of intermediate host snail shells, and assess sheep owners\u0026rsquo; perceptions toward trematode infections. A total of 384 fecal samples were collected directly from randomly selected sheep and examined using the sedimentation technique. Additionally, 300 snail shells were randomly collected for morphological identification, and 300 sheep owners participated in a structured questionnaire survey. Data were entered into Excel 20 and analyzed using STATA version 14. The overall prevalence of ovine trematodes was 42.7% (164/384), with fascioliasis (25%), paramphistomiasis (14.06%), and schistosomiasis (3.64%). Age (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;4.09, p\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;0.021), body condition (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;189, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001), and grazing area (AOR\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;19.86, p\u0026thinsp;\u0026lt;\u0026thinsp;0.001) were significantly associated with infection, whereas sex and district were not. Snail shell identification revealed four genera: \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e (58.7%), \u003cem\u003eBulinus\u003c/em\u003e (18.0%), \u003cem\u003eMelanoides\u003c/em\u003e (15.0%), and \u003cem\u003eBiomphalaria\u003c/em\u003e (8.3%), with \u003cem\u003eLymnaea\u003c/em\u003e being the most dominant. The questionnaire survey on the knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) indicated that 70% of respondents were unfamiliar with ovine trematodes, highlighting a major knowledge gap. In conclusion, ovine trematodes remain an important and neglected disease in the study area. Effective control requires community education on the parasites and their intermediate hosts, promotion of regular deworming, improved diagnostic approaches, and strengthened veterinary extension services.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Study on Ovine Trematode Infections, Their Snails Shell Characterization and KAPs of Owners in the Central Gondar Zone, North West Ethiopia","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-08-27 04:56:17","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7370454/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-10-20T08:31:03+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-14T15:59:21+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-10-10T11:23:45+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"7650253063459842588169256629959835702","date":"2025-09-25T07:43:01+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"52492227529420041067081538714489257549","date":"2025-09-25T04:55:52+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-09-12T00:44:02+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-09-02T11:43:43+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-08-28T03:07:30+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-08-26T16:46:38+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"BMC Veterinary Research","date":"2025-08-26T16:42:56+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"bmc-veterinary-research","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"Learn more about [BMC Veterinary Research](http://bmcvetres.biomedcentral.com/)","snPcode":"12917","submissionUrl":"https://submission.nature.com/new-submission/12917/3?","title":"BMC Veterinary Research","twitterHandle":"@BMC_series","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"BMC Series","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"fcd3861b-2e90-424f-8589-2097bee2014b","owner":[],"postedDate":"August 27th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"under-review","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2026-02-03T14:09:07+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-08-27 04:56:17","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7370454","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7370454","identity":"rs-7370454","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}