Giardia duodenalis associated with other gastrointestinal parasites in sheep in the North of the Brazilian state of Parana

Patricia Riddel Millar Goulart,Danuza ,Beatriz Brener,Bethânia Ferreira Bastos,Adriana Pittella Sudré,Priscilla Fajardo Valente Pereira

doi:10.14393/vtn-v26n1-2020-50330

Abstract

The sheep industry, a very important economic activity in Paraná State, can be affected by gastrointestinal parasites. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep raised in the north region of Paraná State. Fecal samples were collected from 69 animals and processed by flotation and sedimentation techniques. Parasites were observed in 63 (91.3%) animals. The most frequent parasites were strongylid eggs (81.2%), followed by Eimeria sp (42%) and Giardia duodenalis (10.1%). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Giardia duodenalis in sheep raised in Parana State. These results indicate that sanitary management must be improved in order to control infections by these parasites and increase the productivity.

Highlights

Sheep farming is an activity widely exploited in tropical countries, where sheep are raised for their meat, milk and wool (Vieira, 2003)
Gastrointestinal parasites can become a major problem when they are associated with malnutrition, management errors, and anthelmintic therapy inefficiency (Amarante et al, 2004; Sweeny et al, 2012)
Reduced productivity and mortality are directly related to helminthiasis in sheep (Amarante et al, 2004)

Summary

Introduction

Sheep farming is an activity widely exploited in tropical countries, where sheep are raised for their meat, milk and wool (Vieira, 2003). Gastrointestinal parasitic diseases are one of the main factors in herd productivity reduction (Amarante et al, 2004; Sweeny et al, 2012). Sheep are usually raised in small overcrowded areas, which causes intense pasture contamination. Gastrointestinal parasites can become a major problem when they are associated with malnutrition, management errors, and anthelmintic therapy inefficiency (Amarante et al, 2004; Sweeny et al, 2012). Reduced productivity and mortality are directly related to helminthiasis in sheep (Amarante et al, 2004). The protozoan Giardia duodenalis is relevant in this context. This flagellate has been reported as the cause of diarrhea and decreased weight gain in lambs (Aloisio et al, 2006). The fact that domestic ruminants and other animals are sources of infection for humans has garnered the scientific community interest in animal giardiasis (Olson, et al, 1995; Feng; Chiao, 2011; Coelho et al, 2017)

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Results