Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in western zone of Punjab, India

Factors associated with strongylida infections in sheep on farms in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya

Gastrointestinal parasite infections are among the major limitations to production in sheep in many parts of the world. It is important to continually assess their levels of infection in order to institute control measures and reduce the impact. This study determined the factors associated with the strongylida egg counts in sheep on selected farms in peri-urban Nairobi, Kenya. This was a cross-sectional study in which farm and animal-level data, including faecal samples, were collected from 1640 sheep from 30 purposively selected farms in Ruai, and Kamulu wards in Kasarani sub-county and Utawala and Mihango wards in Embakasi East Sub-County, in Nairobi County Kenya. The faecal samples were subjected to coprological examination using a modified McMaster technique to determine counts of strongylida eggs and coccidia oocysts with a detection level of 100 egg or oocyst per gram (EPG or OPG) of faeces. The positive faecal samples for strongylida eggs were pooled per farm and cultured for morphological identification of larval stage three. Descriptive statistics and multilevel mixed-effect logistic regression analyses were used to determine factors associated with strongylida egg count ≥600 EPG (p < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristics curve was used to assess the overall diagnostic performance in the final model. Strongylida eggs were detected in 45.5% (746/1640) of the sheep, and the mean EPG was 486.0± 858.9 with a median of 200 and a range of 0-16,700. The coccidia oocysts were detected in 49.4% (810/1640) of the sheep with a mean OPG was 341.7± 1782.4, a median of 0 and a range of 0-60,000. In the coprocultures, the nematode genera identified (% differential count of L3) were Haemonchus (90%), Trichostrongylus (5%) and Oesophagostomum (5%). In the final multivariable regression model, the odds of detecting EPG ≥ 600 was 1.44 times higher for sheep shedding coccidia oocysts than those that did not. The odds for detecting EPG ≥ 600 was 4.01 times for sheep in Ruai ward compared with those in the combined Kamulu, Utawala and Mihango wards. The receiver operating characteristic curve area was 73.1%, suggestive of good model performance. The results suggest that gastrointestinal strongylida and coccidia infections are common in sheep and farmers should be educated on the importance of appropriate control measures.

Assessment of the Epidemiology of the Gastrointestinal Tract Nematode Parasites in Sheep in Toke Kutaye, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Introduction

Gastrointestinal tract nematodes are considered to be the most significant and underestimated problems that hinder sheep productivity.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract nematode infestation of sheep in the Toke Kutaye District of West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal tract nematode parasite infestation in sheep. Faecal samples were collected from 384 sheep and subjected to coprological examination, including direct smear, flotation techniques, and Baermann techniques for screening and identifying gastrointestinal nematodes.

Results

The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal tract nematode parasite infestation in sheep in the study area was 284 (73.96%). From the total positive cases, males and females were 97 (82.91%) and 187 (70.04%), respectively. The predominantly detected gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep in the study area were Trichostrongylus 111 (28.91%), Oestartagia 55 (14.32%), Haemonchus 42 (10.94%), Oesophagostomum 48 (12.50%), and Trichuris 23 (5.99%). Mixed nematode eggs were noticed in some of the sheep beside the single type of nematode eggs, with a prevalence of 85 (22.14%). The relationship in the occurrence of parasites between sex, age groups, body conditions, and seasons was statistically significant (P = 0.008, P = 0.014, P = 0.001 and P = 0.003), respectively.

Conclusion

The present study is of great importance to add to the existing knowledge of the epidemiology of gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep, and the findings are very important to apply the proper control and prevention strategies for gastrointestinal tract nematodes of sheep in the area.

Evaluation of trace elements in forages and their effect on gastrointestinal parasite burden in grazing sheep

This study was designed to evaluate the trace elements (minerals) in forages fed to sheep and their effect on gastrointestinal parasite burdens. The ultimate objective was to determine the correlation between the burden of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites and the level of trace minerals in sheep serum as a result of the forages they grazed on. A total of 384 faecal samples were collected from sheep in each of the districts (Sialkot and Multan) and examined quantitatively using the McMaster technique. Serum collected from them and plants were pre-treated, and spectrophotometry was used to determine the concentration of trace minerals (Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn). The level of these trace elements differed significantly (P < 0.05) in forages from both districts. In the district of Sialkot, the highest concentrations (mg/Kg) of Zn (38.53 ± 0.16) were found in Cichorium intybus, Cu (41.57 ± 0.07) in Cynodon dactylon, Mn (39.61 ± 0.05) in Parthenium hysterophorus, and Co (1.42 ± 0.03) in Coronopus didymus. In the district of Multan, the highest concentrations (mg/Kg) of Zn (39.43 ± 0.46) were found in Cichorium intybus, Cu (25.76 ± 0.36) in Cynodon dactylon, Mn (34.29 ± 0.53) in Launaea nudicaulis, and Co (1.74 ± 0.08) in Brachiaria raptens. The prevalence of GI parasites in sheep populations in district Sialkot was 34%, while in district Multan, it was 32%. In tehsil Sialkot of district Sialkot, Zn and Cu were significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, while in tehsil Multan City of district Multan, only Cu was significantly (P < 0.05) correlated with EPG. The potential mechanism behind the role of trace minerals in lowering the burdens of GI parasites requires more investigation. It is recommended that plants with high content of trace minerals should be utilized as part of comprehensive preventive and control strategies against GI parasitism in ruminant animals like sheep.

Gastrointestinal Parasites of Domestic Mammalian Hosts in Southeastern Iran

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) are a major cause of disease and production loss in livestock. Some have zoonotic potential, so production animals can be a source of human infections. We describe the prevalence of GIP in domestic mammals in Southeastern Iran. Fresh fecal samples (n = 200) collected from cattle (n = 88), sheep (n = 50), goats (n = 23), camels (n = 30), donkeys (n = 5), horse (n = 1), and dogs (n = 3) were subjected to conventional coprological examination for the detection of protozoan (oo)cysts and helminth ova. Overall, 83% (166/200) of the samples were positive for one or more GIP. Helminths were found in dogs, donkeys, sheep (42%), camels (37%), goats (30%), and cattle (19%), but not in the horse. Protozoa were found in cattle (82%), goats (78%), sheep (60%), and camels (13%), but not in donkeys, dogs, or the horse. Lambs were 3.5 times more likely to be infected by protozoa than sheep (OR = 3.5, 95% CI: 1.05–11.66), whereas sheep were at higher odds of being infected by helminths than lambs (OR = 4.09, 95% CI: 1.06–16.59). This is the first study assessing the prevalence of GIP in domestic mammals in Southeastern Iran.

Diversity and prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of Black Bengal goats in Natore, Bangladesh

Objectives

The objective of this work was to estimate the diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite species, their prevalence, and risk factors in Black Bengal goats (BBGs) of Natore, Bangladesh.

Materials and Methods

Fecal samples from randomly selected 260 BBGs were processed through Stoll's ova counting method, floatation, and simple sedimentation method. Microscopy-based identification of parasitic eggs, cysts, or oocysts was made. A semi-structured questionnaire-based data on host and management practices were collected from the owner. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

Results

The overall prevalence of GI parasites in BBGs was 65.4%, with an individual prevalence of 8.5% for Fasciola gigantica, 21.5% for Paramphistomum spp., 20% for Haemonchus spp., 34.2% for Strongyloides spp., 8.5% for Trichuris spp., and 9.2% for Eimeria spp. No significant effect of host age, gender, body condition, animal rearing system, or housing floor type was observed on parasitism. Animals of young age, female, poorly body-conditioned, living in a free-range system, and housed on a muddy floor had a relatively higher susceptibility to infection. Deworming had a significant impact on reducing the frequency of caprine GI parasitism.

Conclusions

Despite the significant effect of anthelmintic, the elevated prevalence of GI parasites in BBGs suggests a critical need for developing effective strategies to prevent caprine parasitoses.

Seasonal Prevalence of Helminthic Infections in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Sheep in Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Helminthic infection is the major cause of the sheep's reduced productivity. In this study, a total number of 240 fecal samples of sheep from stationary flocks of four different zones of Mazandaran province (Amol, Babol, Sari, and Nowshahr cities) were examined each season, out of which 53.33% of animals were affected by the helminthic infections. The most prevalent infecting parasites were the Trichostrongylidae (46.61%), followed by the Fasciola (9.96%). In addition, the Strongyloides had the lowest proportion with only 2.39%. The other detected parasites included Chabertia (5.98%), Cooperia (3.19%), Nematodirus (3.19%), Trichuris (5.58%), Toxocaridae (4.78%), Haemonchus (4.78%), Ostertagia (5.58%), Oesophagostomum (4.78%), and Dicrocoelium (3.19%). The nematodes had the highest percentage with 86.85%, whereas the trematodes followed them with 13.15%. No significant difference was observed between the infection level in females and males, with 56.9% and 43.94% rates of infection, respectively. Significantly lower infection was observed in winter compared with the other seasons. Trichostrongylidae was the dominant genus across all seasons. It was also noted that winter had the lowest percentage of helminthic infection significantly. The eggs per gram of feces was also estimated, and it showed that a significant number of sheep are infected with a moderate number of parasites. In a conclusion, even though livestock farmers have been using antiparasitic drugs in their livestock in recent years, parasitic infection still exists in livestock. Thus, a proper implementation of helminthic infection control programs in this area should be employed as the key element for reducing the high prevalence of livestock helminthic infection.

The prevalence of intestinal parasite infections in goats from smallholder farms in Northern Thailand

The present study determined the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants kept in smallholder farms in Phitsanulok, Northern Thailand. A total of 885 goats from 31 smallholder farms were selected randomly between May 2019 to January 2020. Fecal samples were collected to estimate fecal egg counts and oocysts counts using the modified McMaster technique. Furthermore, pooled fecal samples from each of the farms were cultured in order to differentiate third-stage larvae of nematode. Examination of fecal samples revealed that 885 were positive for one or more parasites, giving an overall prevalence of 87.2 %, of which 38.6 % were infected with one and 48.6 % with multiple parasite. Strongyles and Eimeria oocysts were the most prevalent. Haemonchus contortus and Strongyloides papillosus were the predominant species based on the percentage of larvae in fecal cultures. Tapeworm eggs were encountered in 14.2 % of all samples. No significant difference in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence was associated with sex of the host. Infection was significantly (P = 0.009) highest in poor body conditioned goats (72.0 %) as compared to moderate (48.9 %) and good body conditioned (50.0 %) goats. This report on prevalence of GI parasites of small ruminants in smallholder farms in Northern Thailand reveals a high endoparasitic infections that appeared well-adapted to environmental conditions. Further studies on endoparasite control are required to establish the impact of parasitism on productive performance, including monitoring control parasite programs are needed for better health and productivity.

Prevalence, species composition, and associated risk factors of small ruminant gastrointestinal nematodes in South Omo zone, South-western Ethiopia

Objective:

This study was conducted to generate data on the prevalence, species composition, and factors associated with small ruminant nematode infection in the South Omo zone, in South-western Ethiopia.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study through fecal nematode parasite examination was conducted. Simple floatation test and coproculture, followed by Baermann technique, were used for nematode egg and third-stage larvae (L3) separation and identification. The McMaster method was used to calculate the egg per gram of feces (EPG).

Results:

From a total of 242 sheep and goats examined, 72.34% were infested with single or mixed nematode parasites. District, “Kebele”, species, body condition score, and age were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with nematode infestation. Simple logistic regression analysis indicated that nematode infestation in Bena-Tsemay district (78.33%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by a factor of 0.54 (OR 95% CI: 0.30–0.96) than Hamer district (66.39%). Among the species, caprine (79.43%) was significantly (p < 0.05) infested than ovine (62.37%) by a factor of 0.45 (OR 95% CI: 0.25–0.81). Moreover, infestation on poor (79.12%) and medium (70.96%) body conditioned animals was higher by a factor of 2.94 (OR 95% CI: 1.41–6.26) and 1.76 (OR 95% CI: 0.88–3.53) than on good body conditioned animals (63.79%). Likewise, infestation in age groups of 1–3 years (78.66%) and >3 years (84.40%) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher by a factor of 4.83 (OR 95% CI: 2.31–10.46) and 8.23 (OR 95% CI: 3.98–17.75) than younger age groups (41.37%), respectively. A moderate parasitic burden was observed on 52.90% of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN)-infested animals with significantly (p < 0.05) higher EPG in females than males. Furthermore, mixed infestation of Trichostrongylus axei and Eimeria (6.19%), Haemonchus contortus and Eimeria (5.78%), and Trichostrongylus vitrines and Eimeria (5.78%) were dominantly identified. On the contrary, T. axei (15.70%), Eimeria (8.67%), H. contortus (7.43%), and Trichostrongylus colubriformis (7.02%) were dominant single infestations.

Conclusion:

The current study revealed the highest prevalence of GIN in the study area, which needs strategic control, needs to enhance community awareness toward GIN control and prevention, and to implement further investigation into anthelminthic efficacy to solve the problem.

Awareness and control methods of gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep among farmers from different agro-ecological zones of Lesotho

Background and Aim:

Sheep production plays a crucial role in the economy of Lesotho by increasing economic state of the rural poor. However, gastrointestinal parasites infection is the most limiting factor in sheep productivity and has a highly detrimental effect on the sheep industry. Therefore this study aimed to evaluate farmers’ awareness and understanding of controlling gastrointestinal parasites of merino sheep in four Lesotho agro-ecological zones.

Materials and Methods:

Data were collected using a simple random sampling of 106 farmers in the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (version 20.00). Descriptive statistics were employed with cross-tabulations and tested with Chi-square and post hoc tests.

Results:

The majority of farmers (80%) were aware of the gastrointestinal parasites. Most farmers (70%) reported a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and associated it with lamb mortality in summer and autumn. Farmers use anthelmintics for treating gastrointestinal parasites in animals, and 93% of them reported the effectiveness of the drugs. However, more than 80% of farmers routinely use anthelmintics. The results revealed that 81.5%, 66.7%, 80%, and 66.7% of farmers from the lowlands, foothills, mountains, and Senqu river valley, respectively, keep sheep in non-roofed enclosures cleaned only after rains to avoid mud. Communal grazing is used as the main source of animal feeding where different livestock species share the same rangelands. Most farmers (more than 70%) believed that grazing lands were the main source of gastrointestinal parasites transmission.

Conclusion:

Farmers in Lesotho are aware of gastrointestinal parasites and apply control methods to combat the gastrointestinal parasites in merino sheep. However, a need still exists for them to be empowered with skills for improving management systems and the knowledge on how the gastrointestinal parasites behave at different times of the year and in different agro-ecological zones. This will assist them in adhering to the dosing schedule designed by animal health experts.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite in small ruminants of District Dir Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan

The present research was planned to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in small ruminants of Upper Dir of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province of Pakistan. For this purpose, the faecal material was collected randomly with gloved fingers directly from the rectum region of sheep and goats and the faecal materials were then put in hygienic plastic bottles with 10% formalin. The overall 315 (n=184 sheep and n= 131 goats) faecal samples were collected out of 315 samples, 281 were found positive for different parasites. Patterns-wise prevalence of GI parasites of the study area was found. Overall Single parasitism 89.20% (281/315) with 94.0% (173/184) in sheep and 82.43% (108/131) in goats. Double parasitic infection in small ruminant recorded in which Fasciola+ Haemonchus. contortus in sheep were found their prevalence was 25.54% (47/184). While in goats, the double parasitic infection in which Haemonchus contortus+Trichuris spp were found and their prevalence were 23.43% (30/131). The species found in the sample of sheep were includes, i.e., Strongyloides papillosus (41.30%), Heamonchus controtus (21.73%), Trichuris ovis (17.39%), and Fasciola hepatica (13.58%), the corresponding value for goat were Strongyloides spp 33.33% (36/108), Haemonchus spp 28.70%, (27/108), Trichuris spp 25.20% (27/184) and Fasciola spp 10.68% (14/184). The sheep of the study area are more infected as compared to goats. This study suggested that gastrointestinal parasites are major health problems of small ruminants in the study area. Therefore, a comprehensive study on species of gastrointestinal parasites circulating in the area, control options, cost-effective strategies and awareness about gastrointestinal parasites among the farmers in the study area should be instituted.

Gastrointestinal nematode and Eimeria spp. infections in dairy cattle along a rural-urban gradient

Endoparasite infections can lead to considerable economic losses in dairy cattle due to decreases in milk yield and quality. Environmental and host-related factors contribute to endoparasite infection intensity and probability. Moreover, advancing urbanization influences parasite infection dynamics in livestock due to close human-animal cohabitation and changes in animal housing conditions. The aim of the present study was to investigate social-ecological effects on gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and Eimeria spp. infections in dairy cattle along a rural-urban gradient in the emerging Indian megacity Bangalore. In this regard, 726 faecal samples from 441 dairy cattle of different ages and physiological stages were collected from 101 farms and examined at three visits between June 2017 and April 2018. Based on a survey stratification index (SSI) comprising built-up density and distance to the city center, we assigned the farms to urban, mixed and rural areas. GIN eggs were identified in the faeces of 243 cattle (33.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 30.1-36.9%), and Eimeria spp. oocysts in the faeces of 151 cattle (20.8%; 95% CI: 17.9-23.7%). Co-infection rates of GIN and Eimeria spp. were 8.5 to 12.2% higher in rural compared to urban and mixed areas. The SSI effect significantly influenced Eimeria spp. infection probability and oocyst per gram of faeces (OpG; P < 0.001) with an infection probability and OpG higher than 26% and 40% for cattle kept in rural areas compared to cattle from urban areas. However, the SSI effect was not significant for the infection probability of GIN and for GIN eggs per gram of faeces (EpG). Infection probabilities and EpG/OpG were significantly higher in calves and heifers compared to lactating and dry cows. Moreover, we estimated significantly lower OpG values in summer compared to the other seasons. No differences were estimated for GIN and Eimeria spp. infection probabilities and EpG/OpG with regard to pasture access and breed. The variations in endoparasite infection intensity and probability observed along the rural-urban gradient of Bangalore reflect the variability in dairy husbandry systems governed by the social-ecological context.

A Comparison of the Prevalence of the Parasites of the Digestive Tract in Goats from Organic and Conventional Farms

The aim of the study was to compare the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in goats kept on organic (n = 76) and conventional farms (n = 82). In general, a higher prevalence of some gastrointestinal parasitic infections was found in the conventional farms compared to the organic farms: the mean prevalence of Eimeria spp. was 85.4% in conventional farms and 77.6% in organic farms, that of Fasciola hepatica was 6.10% in conventional farms and 2.63% in organic farms, and that of Moniezia expansa was 31.7% and 17.1%, in conventional and organic farms, respectively. Both farm types demonstrated a similar mean prevalence of nematodes (80.3 vs. 84.2%). Conventional farms demonstrated a significantly higher intensity of infection with E. arloingi, Haemonchus spp., Nematodirus spp. and Moniezia expansa compared to organic farms. They also demonstrated a higher intensity of infection with Eimeria spp. than organic farms. The prophylactic programs used to combat parasitic infections in both types of farms appear ineffective and require improvement. There is a need for goat herds to be covered by ongoing parasitological monitoring. It is also recommended that keepers employ rotational or intensive rotational grazing methods and take care to ensure the hygiene of animal quarters and livestock rooms.

Gastrointestinal parasite infection intensity and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia

Aim:

The study was conducted to determine the intensity of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 288 goats were randomly sampled in areas representing four agro-ecological zones. Fecal and blood samples were collected from the rectum and jugular vein, respectively, of each animal. The number of eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces and the hematological parameters were determined using the modified McMaster technique and a BC-2800Vet® automatic hematology analyzer, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures techniques of Minitab 17, modeling the covariance structure of the observed data.

Results:

Based on EPG and OPG, goats in humid zone were significantly infected (p<0.05) with strongyles, Eimeria, Moniezia, and Trichuris spp. Hematological parameters of goats in arid and humid zone were lower (p<0.05) than those in semi-arid and dry sub-humid zone. GIP infection intensities were higher (p<0.05) in young animals than in adult and suckling goats. GIP infection intensity was similar between goat sexes, while hematological parameters were higher (p<0.05) in females. Higher (p<0.05) infection intensities for strongyles (302.90 EPG) and Eimeria (216.09 EPG) were observed in winter compared to summer (strongyles: 302.90, Eimeria: 216.09 EPG). Higher (p<0.05) values for the hematological parameters were observed during summer compared to that in winter.

Conclusion:

GIP infection intensity in the winter could be associated with hypochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affects suckling goats while in the summer could be associated with normochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affect young goats.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants in the Central Part of Myanmar

Gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants remains one of the major economic losses caused by reduced productivity. A total of 380 faecal samples were taken from 280 sheeps in Magway and Pwintbyu Townships and 100 goats in Natmauk Township, Myanmar. Faecal flotation and sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. The overall occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants was 98.4% (374/380). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep (99.3%) was higher than that in goats (96%). The highest occurrence was found in Eimeria spp. (96%), followed by Trichostrongyle (77.1%), Trichuris spp. (35%), and Moniezia expansa (14%). The mixed infection rate was 84.8% (317/374), while a single infection was 15.2% (57/374). The mean eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces were ranged from 50 to 600 and 50 to 29,800, respectively. Among the 4 nucleotide sequences isolated, one sequence was 94.10-94.47% similarity with Trichostrongylus colubriformis, reported from Laos, and three sequences showed 96.64-99.46% identity with Haemonchus contortus from Laos, China, India, and Mongolia. As gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants was relatively high in the study area, the development of appropriate treatment and control measures should be provided to reduce production losses.

Factors influencing regional epidemiology of strongyle nematodes at organized sheep farms in Rajasthan

A study was conducted to observe the influence of year, season, month, breed, age and sex on epidemiology of strongyle nematodes in different sheep breeds managed at organised farms in arid and semi-arid Rajasthan by evaluating 14,030 fresh faecal samples (from April 2016 to March 2019). The overall incidence of strongyle worms was significantly higher (74.1%) in semi-arid as compared to 27.4% in arid region. Among breeds, it varied from 25.6% in Magra to 74.8% in Malpura sheep. The effect of year was significant on regional as well breed-wise incidence. Season had significant effect on regional incidence with maximum incidence during monsoon. A significant breed variation in overall and seasonal incidence was found only in arid region. Irrespective of sheep breed, significantly higher incidence of strongyle worms was observed in adult sheep in both the regions. Male had significantly higher incidence of strongyle worms in both the regions. The effect of agro-climatic region was significant on overall intensity of strongyle worms with mean FECs of 117.8±3.7 epg in arid and 1098.9±45.2 epg in semi-arid region. Breed-wise, the effect of year on intensity of strongyle nematodes was significant in arid region only. Seasonal intensity was significantly higher during monsoon season in both the agro-climatic regions and in all the breeds. Effect of age on overall intensity of infection was also significant in both the regions with higher mean FECs in adult animals as compared to young ones. In both the regions, males possessed higher FECs as compared to females. On coproculture, Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus sp and Oesophagostomum sp were recovered with maximum (71.1±2.1%) mean annual proportion of H. contortus. Availability of infective larvae of GI nematodes on herbage was observed during monsoon and extended up to post-monsoon season in semi-arid region. Comparatively higher herbage infectivity was not noticed in semi-arid farm with a peak of 2,100.0±97.9 L3/kg dry matter of herbage in September. The study suggest a marked influence of agro-climatic region on epidemiology and dynamics of strongyle nematodes in sheep flocks and on pasture. The breed variation was evident only in arid conditions. Further, the magnitude of monthly intensity of strongyle infection in arid region suggested anthelmintics intervention through targeted selective approach instead of strategic en-mass drench.

A field study on the occurrence of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep over the wet and dry seasons in two West Indian Islands

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infestations are a major constraint to sheep production in the West Indies (WI). Intensive and semi-intensive management systems are most commonly employed. These islands display tropical weather patterns with wet and dry seasons. Semi-intensive farming combined with increased rainfall during the wet season has been reported to be most favourable for development and survival of GIN. This study was conducted to determine whether there was a relationship between GIN burdens in sheep with seasonality and management practices of farmers in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). Farms were visited on a monthly basis from January to December 2017. A maximum of ten sheep, three to nine months of age, were selected from each farm. A total of 3,053 faecal samples were collected and analysed using the Modified McMaster technique. Environmental data on daily precipitation and temperature were collected from the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Office during the period of sampling. A mixed effects negative binomial regression model was constructed to analyse the relationship between gastrointestinal nematode faecal egg counts (GINFEC) with season, management system and use of dewormers as fixed effects and farm as a random effect. Average diurnal temperatures of T&T fluctuated between 23.2°C to 32.6°C and 23.9°C to 32.3°C in the dry and wet seasons, respectively. Average daily precipitation ranged between 1.6-1.8 mm and 6.1-8.5 mm during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. A decreased risk of 0.34 (95% CI 0.25-0.47, p < .0001) for GINFEC was observed in dewormed animals versus not dewormed. Semi-intensive management systems experienced an increased risk of GINFEC by 1.39 (95% CI 1.05-1.84, p = .021) compared with intensive and the risk of GINFEC was reduced by 0.40 (95% CI 0.33-0.49, p < .0001) in the wet season versus the dry. A higher prevalence of GIN was observed during the drier months of the year. Climatic conditions observed in T&T remained favourable for GIN survival, development and distribution year-round. Proper management is therefore required for reducing the occurrence of GIN in sheep of T&T throughout the year. This is the first reported study in the WI on the influence of seasonality and management on GIN infestations in sheep during the dry and wet seasons. Further investigation is needed to elucidate why GIN burdens appear to be higher in the dry season than the wet season. This study can be used as a baseline for public education in T&T as well as other developing countries.

Epidemiological study of goat's gastrointestinal nematodes in the North West of Algeria

An epidemiological study of gastrointestinal nematodes was carried out in naturally infected goats in the North West of Algeria. Coprological analyses were performed for 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015.Examination of 1591 goat samples revealed an overall prevalence of parasite eggs in feces of 96%; the values were very similar in both years at 97% in 2014 and 94.96% in 2015. Five types of nematode eggs were identified: strongyle (95.5%), Nematodirus spp. (19.4%), Marshallagia spp. (3.9%), Trichuris spp. (0.6%), and Skrjabinema spp. (2%).Also, fecal cultures showed the presence of Teladorsagia spp. (56%), Trichostrongylus spp. (20%), Chabertia spp. (10%), Haemonchus spp. (9%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (5%).Season, age, type of grazing, and area affected the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. The season did not influence the prevalence observed in the 2 years, since no significant differences between the four seasons were observed. On the other hand, egg production was highest in winter and spring. The level of infection decreased with the animal's age. There were no significant differences between the prevalence in animals on irrigated and non-irrigated pastures, but there were differences in egg excretion. Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the coastal (Oran) and lowland (Mascara) regions in the prevalence or in average egg excretion.

Molecular detection of benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus of sheep in Punjab

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at codon 167, 198 and 200 of β-tubulin isotype 1 gene accounts for benzimidazole resistance in Haemonchus contortus. To assess the anthelmintic resistance to benzimidazole group, allele specific polymerase chain reaction (AS-PCR) was employed on 50 adults of local abattoir of Ludhiana and 138 harvested larvae of H. contortus from faecal samples collected from field flocks of 6 districts of western zone of Punjab. The adults were found to be homozygous resistant (rr) showing 100% prevalence of resistant allele (r). AS-PCR on 138 larvae collected from different districts of Punjab showed 49.28% (69) homozygous resistant (rr), 3.62% (5) homozygous susceptible (SS) and 46.37% (64) heterozygous (rS) population. Species was confirmed as H. contortus by PCR-RFLP from the three fragments of size 462 bp, 211 bp and 147 bp. The pioneer study on the molecular diagnosis of benzimidazole resistance in H. contortus showed an overall allele frequency for resistant and susceptible population to be 0.72 (TTC) and 0.28 (TAC), espectively indicating development of high level of resistance in sheep.

Evaluation and Correlation of Multiple Anthelmintic Resistances to Gastrointestinal Nematodes Using Different Fecal Egg Count Reduction Methods in Small Ruminants of Punjab, India

PURPOSE

Concordance of multiple anthelmintic resistances for gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants by three average-based and two individually based fecal egg count reduction (FECR) tests was evaluated and corrected.

METHODS

Sheep and goats (≥ 8 weeks) from five farms were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (I, II, III; n = 10 per group) and one untreated control group (Group IV; n = 10). Group I received fenbendazole at the dose rate of 5 and 10 mg/kg, Group II received ivermectin at the dose rate of 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, and Group III received levamisole at the dose rate of 8 and 12 mg/kg body weight orally for sheep and goat, respectively. Three average-based methods of FECR (FECR₁, FECR₂ and FECR₃) and two individually based methods of FECR (iFECR₁ and iFECR₂) were evaluated.

RESULTS

For fenbendazole resistance, Spearman correlation coefficient for FECR₁ was non-significant with other formulae, but for FECR₂ with FECR₃, FECR₃ with iFECR₁ and iFECR₁ with iFECR₂ coincidence was significant at 1%, while for FECR₂ with iFECR₂ and FECR₃ with iFECR₂ it was significant at 5%. Spearman correlation coefficients for ivermectin resistance were significant at 1% level and for levamisole it showed significant coincidence at 1% for FECR₁ with FECR₂ and iFECR₁, FECR₂ with FECR₃ and iFECR₁, and iFECR₁ with iFECR₂, while for FECR₁ with FECR₃ and iFECR₂ coincidence was significant at 5% level. Concordance of kappa values indicated that the coincidence of the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance (95% CI) among the five farms was non-significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Concordance between the standard average-based FECR and individually based methods suggests that either method could be applied to small ruminant farms.

Detection of parasitic helminths in cattle from Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Aim

The objective of this research was to identify the parasite species found in the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas of Aceh cattle slaughtered in a Banda Aceh slaughterhouse using lactophenol and semichon carmine staining.

Materials and Methods

Each sample out of 50 samples of gastrointestinal tract and pancreas from Aceh cattle slaughtered in a Banda Aceh slaughterhouse was separated by organ. Each organ was examined for the presence of worm. Then, the parasitic worms found were subsequently collected and separated based on class and species, followed by staining using lactophenol and semichon carmine. The worms were then identified and their prevalence was determined.

Results

The results showed that three species of parasites were successfully identified, all belonging to the nematode class, namely, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Oesophagostomum columbianum, and Setaria labiatopapillosa with the prevalence of 12%, 10%, and 6%, respectively. In addition, there was one species of parasite from the trematode class, namely, Eurytrema pancreaticum with prevalence of 0.4%.

Conclusion

The nematode class worms, such as O. radiatum, O. columbianum, and S. labiatopapillosa, can be stained by lactophenol, while the trematode class worm such as E. pancreaticum can be stained by semichon's carmine.

Prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal protozoa in Madura cattle at Bangkalan Regency, East Java, Indonesia

Aim:

This study aimed to describe the gastrointestinal protozoa in Madura cattle at Bangkalan Regency, East Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 500 samples of Madura cattle feces were collected from 10 districts at Bangkalan Regency. Those ten districts represent the lowland and upland areas, and each district was represented by one village. The collected feces were examined using native, sedimentation, and floating methods. The species identification was determined by their morphology.

Results:

There were 357 (71.4%) samples positively infected with protozoan. The highest rate of sample with protozoan infection was at Kamal District (88.23%), and Bangkalan District (52.83%) was the lowest one. There were six species of protozoa that infected gastrointestinal tract; those are Eimeria spp., Balantidium spp., Isospora spp., Blastocystis spp., Entamoeba spp., and Cryptosporidium spp. The highest number of protozoa found in this research was Eimeria (53.42%) followed by Blastocystis (14.43%). In this study, we found that 295 samples (58.76%) infected by one kind of protozoa, 53 samples (10.56%) infected by two kinds of protozoa, and 11 samples (2.19%) infected by three kinds of protozoa. In addition, there were 65.54% of bulls infected with protozoa, considerably lower than cows (72.97%). Cattle aged 6 months-2 years old (73.39%) and >2 years old (71.25%) are known more prone to protozoan infections than cattle aged <6 months (66.15%).

Conclusion:

The present study revealed that protozoan infection of cattle is common in Bangkalan Regency. Studies focused on determining that the prevalence of protozoan, risk factors for the parasitism, and the geographic distribution are needed and will be effective guide for prevention and control measures.

Molecular detection of benzimidazole resistance levels associated with F167Y and F200Y polymorphisms in Haemonchus contortus of goats from Mozambique

Benzimidazole (BZ) resistance of Haemonchus contortus has been associated with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in codons 200 (F200Y) and 167 (F167Y) and, to a lesser extent, in codon E198A, of the β-tubulin isotype 1 gene. The present study was undertaken to survey the status of BZ resistance in naturally infected goats in smallholder farms in southern Mozambique by real-time PCR (qPCR) using TaqMan® assays. H. contortus-infective larvae (L3; n = 432) from 12 populations were individually genotyped for F200Y and F167Y SNPs to detect BZ resistance. For the F200Y SNP, the results revealed an overall mean percentages of 18.8% homozygous resistant (RR), 47.8% homozygous susceptible (SS) and 33.4% heterozygous (RS) H. contortus. For the F167Y SNP, the overall mean percentages were 1.6% RR, 94.9% SS and 3.5% RS. The percentage of resistant alleles (%R) for the F200Y and F167Y SNPs was 35.7 and 3.4%, respectively. Genotype combinations of the two mutations indicate resistant percentages ranging from 0.0 to 52.9%. From the four herds with high RR individuals, three farms dewormed the animals monthly, while the fourth farm dewormed the animals every 3 months. In farms where animals were dewormed every 6 months, low percentages of RR individuals were found, whereas no RR individuals were discovered in herds where animals were dewormed annually. These results suggest that the F200Y SNP is more significant in BZ resistance development of the surveyed population compared with the F167Y SNP.

Prevalence of Haemonchus contortus Infections in Sheep and Goats in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

This study investigated the overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep and goats from five purposively selected subdivisions (sectors) of Nyagatare district from January to December 2014, after a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and generalized poor productivity was reported in small ruminants in some districts of Rwanda. Faecal egg counts (FEC) were performed using the Modified Wisconsin Sugar Floatation method and the Fluorescent-labeled peanut-lectin agglutination test while enumerations, as log (FEC), were done using the modified McMaster method. The overall prevalence of H. contortus infection in sheep and goats was 75.7% (n=949). The overall prevalence of H. contortus infection in sheep (83.4%, n=314) was higher than in goats (71.8%, n=635) (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.98, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.40-2.79, and p≤0.001). The prevalence of H. contortus infection in female goats (74.2%) was higher than in male goats (64.3%) (OR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.09-2.36, and p=0.01). The prevalence of H. contortus infection in goats from Nyagatare was higher than in goats from Matimba (OR 3.25, 95% CI: 1.76-5.99, and p≤0.001) and from Katabagemu (OR 3.67, 95% CI: 2.04-6.59, and p≤0.001). The prevalence of H. contortus infection in goats from Karangazi was higher than in goats from Matimba (OR 4.72, 95% CI: 2.40-9.28, and p≤0.001). The overall mean monthly log (FEC) for H. contortus in sheep and goats were highest in April (18.9±0.2 and 14.05±0.1, respectively) and October (19.25± 0.2 and 13.75±0.1, respectively). Though, overall, sheep in Nyagatare district were at greater risk of H. contortus infection and goats from Nyagatare and Karangazi sectors were paradoxically at greater risk of H. contortus infection. It was also apparent that young female goats were at greater risk of H. contortus infection than young male goats. H. contortus infection is endemic in small ruminants in Nyagatare district and possibly other districts in Rwanda. Targeted selective treatment (TST) using FAMACHA with emphasis on low-lying swampy pastures and appropriate anthelmintic drugs may be the most economically viable solution in the short term. In the long term breeding of H. contortus resistant small ruminants and strategic grazing using the concept of refugia may bring about considerable relief from H. contortus infection in Nyagatare district, in particular, and Rwanda at large.