Epidemiology and Haematological Alterations of Sheep Ked ( Melophagus ovinus ) Infestation and Farmers' Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices in Northwest Ethiopia

Background Sheep ked ( Melophagus ovinus ) is an economically significant ectoparasite of sheep that adversely affects animal health, welfare, and productivity. However, epidemiological and haematological data on sheep ked infestation remain limited in Ethiopia. Objectives This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of sheep keds, identify factors associated with infestation, assess farmers' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP), evaluate the association between infestation and packed cell volume (PCV), and characterize the morphometry and predilection sites of M. ovinus . Methods A cross‐sectional study was condacted between September 2023 and June 2024 in the South Gondar Zone, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 414 sheep were randomly selected and examined for sheep ked infestation. Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with infestation, and PCV was compared between infested and non‐infested groups using independent‐samples t ‐test and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Morphometric measurements were performed on 40 adult keds (15 males and 25 females), and predilection sites were recorded for each infested sheep. A structured questionnaire was administered to 150 farmers to assess KAP regarding sheep ked infestation. Results The overall prevalence of sheep ked infestation was 11.6% ( n = 48). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that infestation was significantly ( p < 0.05) associated with sex, season, agroecology, body condition score, and wool type. Higher prevalence was recorded in sheep with poor (40.7%) and medium (4.05%) body condition scores compared to those with good body condition (1.3%). Infestation was significantly higher in highland (21.95%) than midland (1.43%) areas, in males (26.72%) than females (4.59%), in densely woolled sheep (13.07%) than sparse‐woolled sheep (7.41%), and during the wet season (22.7%) than the dry season (0.48%). Age was not significantly associated with infestation ( p > 0.05). Sheep ked infestation was associated with a significant reduction in PCV, with infested sheep showing a mean PCV of 26.5% ± 2.4% compared to 35.1% ± 2.9% in non‐infested sheep ( p < 0.001). The most frequent predilection sites were the neck/dorsal shoulders (29.2%) and back/rump (25%). Morphometric analysis revealed significant sexual dimorphism, with females being larger than males in most body dimensions ( p < 0.05). The questionnaire survey showed that 96.7% of respondents were aware of sheep keds, and 85.3% recognized their economic importance. Conclusions Sheep ked infestation remains a significant problem in the study area. Control efforts should prioritize highland areas during the wet season and focus particularly on males, poorly conditioned, and densely wooled sheep. As farmers rely primarily on medication and rarely adopt management‐based control measures, an integrated approach combining strategic seasonal insecticide treatment, regular shearing, improved nutrition, and strengthened veterinary extension services is recommended.