Assessment of animal guinea worm infection intervention in Gog and Abobo woreda’s of Gambella region, Ethiopia

Introduction: Dracunculiasis (guinea worm disease) is caused by a parasitic worm called Dracunculus medinensis. Ethiopia is an endemic country since 2013. Dog, cat, and baboons are infected species. Proactive dog chaining intervention was implemented to interrupt transmission.  Objective: To assess animal guinea worm infection and interventions in Abobo and Gog Woreda, Gambella region, Ethiopia, from March to April 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional study design was used. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire interview with key informants in the program and community, facility-based document review, and observational methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.  Results: A total of 69 animal infections were reported in the Gambella region from 2013 to March 2019. Dog, cat, and baboon are found infected. Baboon infections reported only in Ethiopia (Table 1). Out of the total infections, 54 (78%) were dogs, and 9 (13%) Olive baboons. Most of the infections occurred in Gog woreda. Animal infection was increased from 4 cases during 2013 to 17 cases in 2017; but, the containment rate was still low 27 (39%). Animal welfare is not considered; no provision of balanced food and water, unable to naturally mate and reproduce; there is no proper housing protective from sun and animal attack. Of the total observed dogs, 175/352 (50%) were found with poor and medium body condition. There was no selection criterion to chain dogs. Out of 118 households interviewed around 46 (39%) of the owners had encounter the death of dogs during the intervention. Poor management of stray dogs, weak collaboration, animal welfare, poor reporting and documentation, lack of veterinary facilities are the major challenges assessed upon the program.  Conclusion: Animal guinea worm infection is increased over time, but the containment rate is low. Chaining intervention lacks welfare considerations. Government sectors were not responsible for animal infection and death. Communities are fighting against hunger and guinea worm. Addressing the challenges of the intervention must be considered as a top priority to enhance the effectiveness of the eradication program. The program should apologize to the community or compensate for the death of dogs.