Prevalence of bovine (nematodes) otitis in Kenya

Abstract

A survey carried out to determine the prevalence of Prevalence of Bovine (Nematodes) Otitis in Kenya using physical, otoscopic and microscopic examination of ear swabs. Of 413 examined in Kajiado District (with a hot and dry climate), 241(58.4%) were affected and these 202 (83.8%) had worms in one ear or both ears. Rhabditis bovis alone was encountered in the hot dry areas, while Rh. Bovis and Rh Blumi either singly or in mixed infections were encountered in the cold humid areas. The disease varied from mild, moderate, severe to chronic forms in its manifestation. Where it occurred alone, Rh Blumi was associated with the mild and chronic forms of the disease.