Abstract
A coprological survey to assess the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites infecting sheep in the triangular area (Shalatin – Abu- Ramaid-Halaeeb) Red Sea Governorate, Egypt, was done from January to December 2008; a study was carried out on 982 sheep of different ages. The study involved monthly faecal examinations from sheep, and pasture sampling from communal grazing areas. The sheep-level prevalence of GIT was 670 (68.22%). Eggsof Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Oesophagostomum sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris sp., Ostertagia sp., Chabertia sp. Nematodirus sp., Marshalgia marshali sp., Moniezia sp., Fasciola sp.,and oocysts of Eimeria were encountered in 23.62%, 13.34%, 10.38%, 9.36%, 8.75%, 7.33%, 6.41%, 2.34%, 1.83%, 3.66 % 6.61% of the faecal samples respectively. However, only Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, Strongyloides and Trichuris eggs occurred throughout the year and were common during the winter season than in the summer season. Other nematodes, cestodes, flukes eggs and protozoal infections showed a seasonal pattern in prevalence. Single infections recorded high rate of infection (48.78%), while mixed infection was represented by (%12.72). The mean faecal egg counts (epg) of nematodes ranged from 100-1350 with a high peak of egg production during the winter season. Lambs were more commonly infected and had higher worm counts than adult sheep. Irrespective of the age of sheep, higher worm counts were generally encountered during winter season than in summer season. On coproculture of positive faecal samples and pasture samples from communal grazing area producing third stage larvae in order of prevalence were Haemonchus sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Oesophgastomum sp, Strogyloides sp.and Osteratagia sp. Pasture larval count and faecal egg counts (epg) peaked towards the end of rainy season, based on conditions of the study area. Hematological values revealed that affected sheep had significantly lower total erythrocytic count, Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, higher lymphocyte and eosinphil count. Affected animals were successfully treated with oral dose of albendazole. Efficacy of the drug was assessed on the basis of absence of parasitic eggs in the faecal sample, clinical improvement and weight gain. Based on this study, it is now possible to explore the possibility of using strategic treatments for the control of parasitic gastroenteritis in this area.
Highlights
Sheep populations of the triangular area are approximately 262 thousands) FAO-OIF-WHO, 1995) Despite of these large numbers, the economic benefits to their owners remain marginal due to prevailing diseases, poor nutrition, poor animal production systems and general lack of veterinary care
No information is available from the semi-arid region of the triangular area which occupied the southern part of eastern desert, Egypt in relation to what are the parasites of importance, at what time of the year and when parasite control measures should best be implemented in sheep in this area
When the general prevalence was analysed by age, it was observed that sheep ≥12 months old had higher prevalence rate of gastrointestinal parasites, sheep between 1-3 years of age were having moderate higher prevalence rate and sheep over 3 years of age had low prevalence rate (Table 2)
Summary
Sheep populations of the triangular area are approximately 262 thousands) FAO-OIF-WHO, 1995) Despite of these large numbers, the economic benefits to their owners remain marginal due to prevailing diseases, poor nutrition, poor animal production systems and general lack of veterinary care. In the triangular area sheep production is mainly pastural, and in these communities there is a heavy dependence on pastures Sheep graze these pastures almost continuously, depending on the quantity and quality of available forage. Production levels are low because of factors, which include poor nutrition, poor management, disease and internal parasitism. Chronic helminthosis is more widespread and probably of more significance in all grazing ruminants (Allonby and Urquhart, 1975) because of its insidious effects which reduce weight gains, milk yield, wool production and cases quality, especially in situations where nutrition is poor (Gatongi et al, 1997). The fundamental goal of the present study was to clear-up the prevalence, seasonal dynamics, intensity of gastrointestinal helminths infections in grazing sheep and therapeutic trials of some infected cases in the triangular area which is representative of the semi-arid region of eastern Egypt
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