The prevalence of ovine Eimeria infection in Rudsar, North of Iran, (2011-2012).

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Eimeria infection in sheep in Rudsar, North of Iran, in period of 1year (March 2011 to March 2012). The samples (approximately 3-5 grams of faeces) were collected from the rectum of 270 sheep and transferred to the parasitology laboratory. Eimeria species were identified following sporulation of faeces in a thin layer of 2.5% potassium dichromate for one or 2weeks at 27°C. Out of 270 faecal samples examined, 170[(63.0%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 56.9-68.7)] were positive for Eimeria spp. Five species of Eimeria, including E. ahsata, E. ovina, E. crandallis, E. parva and E. ovinoidalis were identified in faecal samples by modified McMaster technique. The most frequent species was E. crandallis. Sheep were considered in four age groups (less than 1year old, 1-2years old, 2-3years old and over 3years old).The results also indicated that less than 1year old sheep have greater infection ratio as compare with older animals. Female had significantly higher prevalence of Eimeria than male. Higher infection was seen in females compare to males and in winter compare to summer. Parasitological gross and microscopic examinations revealed Eimeria infection is common in sheep of Rudsar, North Iran.