Prevalence and Associated Factors of Gastrointestinal Helminths Infection in Domestic Ruminants in and Around Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal helminth (GIH) infections are major health problems that cause economic losses in Ethiopia; however, information on their prevalence and associated factors in domestic ruminants is limited in and around Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence, identify GIH based on egg morphology and assess its associated factors in domestic ruminants. METHODS: Cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2024 to June 2025. A total of 384 domestic ruminants were sampled using simple random sampling techniques. Faecal samples were collected from each animal and examined using coprological examination techniques. RESULTS: The overall prevalence was 56.5%. Strongyle-type nematodes (most common 37.3%), Strongyloides, Trichuris, Fasciola, Paramphistomum, Moniezia spp. and Nematodirus (least common 1.4%) were identified. Multivariable logistic regression showed significant associations between GIH infection and species, sex, age, study area sites, and management system (P < 0.05). Sheep had 16 times higher odds of infection than goats, and cattle also had increased odds (AOR = 9.74). Females were more likely to be infected than males (AOR = 25.65), and young animals had twice the odds of adults (AOR = 2.01). Extensive and semi-intensive systems had higher infection risks (AOR = 7.31 and 3.21) than intensive systems. Animals in peri-urban kebeles also had a higher infection risk (AOR = 2.46) than those in urban kebeles. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrointestinal helminth infections are highly prevalent in the study area, with host and management factors influencing their occurrence. Therefore, the control measures should focus on the potential associated factors, including management system, age, and species of animals.