Fecal Flotation Technique Research Articles

The Intensity of Infection and Public Health Perception of Potentially Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites of Dogs in Kwara Central, Nigeria

Background: The close relationship between dogs and humans and the possibility of intestinal parasite transmission from dogs to humans calls for frequent assessment of these potential zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs and the possibility of their transmission to humans. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the presence, intensity of infection, and public health perception of potentially zoonotic intestinal parasites in dogs of Kwara Central, Nigeria. Methods: The study was conducted in 28 locations in Kwara Central Senatorial District of Kwara State, Nigeria. Three hundred and five healthy dogs were sampled. Two hundred and thirty respondents (dog owners or handlers) were questioned using a well-structured questionnaire containing open-ended and closed-ended questions. Fecal samples from the sampled dogs were subjected to the direct fecal smear technique, simple fecal centrifugation flotation technique, formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique, and the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts or eggs per gram of feces were counted using the modified McMaster technique. Results: Seven different intestinal parasites (Ancylostoma spp., Cryptosporidium spp., Dipylidium caninum, Isospora spp., Strongyloides stercoralis, Toxocara spp., and Uncinaria stenocephala) were detected, with a prevalence ranging from 2.30% to 25.25%. Of these parasites, 6 were zoonotic. The mean intensities of infection were 91.43 eggs per gram (EPG) for D. caninum¸ 96.52 EPG for S. stercoralis, 129.36 ±28.12 oocysts per gram (OPG) for Isospora spp., 165.17±19.88 for Toxocara spp., 240.00±44.42 for EPG for U. stenocephala, and 303.64±31.83 EPG for Ancylostoma spp. Some dog owners and handlers were not cautious about possible zoonotic parasite transmission from dogs. Conclusion: Zoonotic intestinal parasites of dogs are present and prevalent in Kwara Central, Nigeria. There is a need to educate the public on the possibility of zoonotic parasite transmission to humans.

PREVALENCE AND CHEMOTHERAPY OF COCCIDIAL INFECTIONS IN BROILERS IN MUZAFFARABAD

The present study was performed to know the prevalence of coccidiosis and efficacyof anti-coccidial drugs in the capital city of Muzaffarabad, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan. A total of 573broiler birds of different age groups were sampled from the study area farms and processedaccordingly. Fecal flotation and McMaster egg counting techniques were used for Oocystidentification and counting, respectively. Postmortem of birds was performed to know the lesions and
 type of coccidiosis present in the birds. Drug trial was also carried out to evaluate the efficacy of anti-coccidial drugs available in the study area market. An overall 19.37% (111/573) prevalence of
 Coccidiosis was observed in study area. Among different age groups, broilers below three weeks ofage were found more susceptible to infection. During summer season higher prevalence was recorded.Different risk factors were found associated with coccidial infection in the study area. Fiveanticoccidial drugs available in the market have been found effective with different efficacy level.Among the anticoccidial drugs used during the present investigation, Sulphadimerazine 86% hadshown better effect. Besides these anticoccidial drugs, a herbal plant locally known as Sumbal was alsoused and found potent against Coccidiosis. This is a good alternate choice used in field conditionsalong with synthetic anti-coccidial for the treatment and control of coccidiosis. It was deduced thatprevalence of coccidiosis recorded in study area was comparatively lower than prevalence recorded inother parts of the world. Furthermore, Sulphadimerazine 86% have shown comparatively betterefficacy than other drugs.

A repeated cross-sectional study of intestinal parasites in Texas shelter dogs using fecal flotation and saline sedimentation.

Estimates of intestinal parasite prevalence in canine populations have largely been based on use of fecal flotation methods only. Dogs in animal shelters are likely at higher risk of intestinal parasite infection because of their previous exposure history. Our objectives were to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites among Texas shelter dogs using centrifugal fecal flotation and saline sedimentation techniques, to identify risk factors for infection, and to compare proportions of positive samples detected via fecal flotation vs. saline sedimentation for the most common parasites. Using a repeated cross-sectional study design, we collected fecal samples from dogs on three visits to each of seven Texas animal shelters between May 2013 and December 2014. Fecal flotation and/or saline sedimentation were used to identify parasites in samples. Fecal samples were collected from 529 dogs. The most frequently detected parasites were Ancylostoma caninum (26.4% via fecal flotation, 20.7% via saline sedimentation) and Trichuris vulpis (12.0% via fecal flotation, 14.1% via saline sedimentation). Risk factors for certain parasites were identified; for example, dogs with abnormal fecal consistency were more likely to be shedding T. vulpis eggs than dogs with normal fecal consistency (OR = 1.8, p = 0.005). The addition of fecal sedimentation not only added to the number of parasite species detected in this study, but it also increased the number of dogs diagnosed with the common intestinal parasites that are primarily detected using fecal flotation methods. Texas shelter dogs carry a high burden of intestinal parasites, including those of zoonotic importance.

Epidemiological investigation of morbidity and mortality of improved breeds of chickens in small holder poultry farms in selected districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia

BackgroundA longitudinal study was conducted in six intensive and three semi-intensive poultry farms in Shebedino and Dale districts of Sidama Region, Ethiopia from November 2018 to May 2019. The objectives of the study were to estimate incidence rates of mortality and morbidity, identify the risk factors associated with morbidity and mortality and establish differential diagnosis of major diseases affecting poultry in the area. Chickens belonging to two breeds namely Sasso, and Bovans Brown reared in purposively selected small-scale farms was included from two districts. The chickens on the selected farms were monitored for morbidity and mortality every week. Diagnosis of different diseases was made based on the flock history, age of birds, clinical signs, characteristic gross and microscopic lesions, and fecal flotation technique for coccidiosis. Semi-structured questionnaires were also administered to gather information on the risk factors and farming practices. ResultsThe incidence rate of morbidity and mortality in the studied farms was 16.14 and 12.69 per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. The minimum and maximum incidence rates of morbidity were 2.02 and 58.43 cases per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. The minimum and maximum incidence rates of mortality were 0.21 and 58.18 deaths per 1000 chicken-week at risk, respectively. Among the risk factors studied feed type, age of chickens, and number of sick chickens on farms were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the incidence of disease. Age of chickens and number of sick chickens found on the farms were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the incidence of death using multivariable logistic regression. Newcastle Disease (ND), Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD), Fowl typhoid, and Coccidiosis were the important diseases identified during the follow up period in the study area. Of the overall mortality and morbidity, 90.48% and 42% were respectively attributed to ND. Infectious bursal disease and Coccidia co-infection occurred in 31.55% of chicken in the infected farms. ConclusionsThe present study documented the incidence rate of morbidity and mortality in smallholder poultry farms in selected districts of Sidama Region. The study findings indicated that infectious diseases appear to be a major constraint to improve chicken production in the study areas. Therefore, the veterinary and livestock authorities should take this into account when planning poultry development activities and setting up systems of livestock production and health monitoring.

Syngamus trachea in free-ranging white stork (Ciconia ciconia) nestlings in Switzerland.

Syngamosis is a disease caused by the strongylid nematode Syngamus trachea, which infects the respiratory tract of various bird species around the world. The parasite appears to be harmful for a wide variety of avian orders, occasionally leading to a fatal outcome, particularly in young birds.The aim of this study was to examine the parasitic fauna in deceased or euthanized, free-ranging white storks nesting at the Zoo Basel in 2019 and 2020; and to assess the extent to which these parasites contributed to the wild birds' death.In five out of 24 necropsied white storks, an infection with S. trachea was diagnosed based on morphological analysis of adult nematode stages and eggs, in combination with PCR amplification and sequencing of DNA extracted from female worms. The main pathological changes affected the white storks’ respiratory tract and a mixed cell tracheitis was diagnosed in the histopathological examination of three of the five infected birds. Some birds displayed additional lesions compatible with syngamosis, namely partially degenerated parasitic structures with concurrent granulomatous inflammation in the lung and multifocal acute hemorrhages in the bronchi and parabronchi. Coprological examinations (fecal flotation technique, fecal sedimentation technique, sodium acetate acetic acid formalin procedure and Ziehl-Neelsen staining) from the intestinal content as well as a PCR for Toxoplasma gondii on brain, lung, heart, liver, and spleen tissue yielded negative results in all examined individuals. In the absence of further major pathological findings, S. trachea was assumed to have significantly contributed to the death of the infected birds.

Veterinary monitoring of gastrointestinal parasites in European bison, Bison bonasus designated for translocation: Comparison of two coprological methods.

It is important to monitor the level of parasitic loads in herds of European bison and to identify threats early enough to prevent their spread to other populations or species. The aim of the present study was to compare the detection sensitivity of two fecal flotation techniques, viz. the modified Willis method (WM) with centrifugation and modified McMaster flotation technique (MM), in the diagnostics of gastrointestinal parasites of European bison before the translocation of animals.Out of 166 feces samples, Eimeria spp. oocysts (84.3% in WM and 71.1% in MM) and Trichostrongylidae eggs (82.5% in WM and 53.6% in MM) predominated. These were accompanied by eggs from Capillaria spp. (prevalence: 13.9% in WM and 3.61% in MM), Nematodirus spp. (prevalence: 18.1% in WM and 4.8% in MM) and Trichuris spp. (prevalence: 12.7% in WM and MM) were identified. The lowest prevalence was noted for cestode eggs of Moniezia spp. (5.4% in WM and 3.0% in MM).The Willis method yielded a higher prevalence of eggs and oocysts than the modified McMaster method, and hence has a higher probability of detecting parasitic structures than the modified McMaster method, especially in cases of very low levels of invasion.As the two methods yield consistent results, it is recommended to use the Willis method for diagnosis of internal parasite infection in European bison. This test offers more sensitive method than McMaster technique of detecting the presence of low levels of a variety of parasite eggs and oocysts in feces, while also being inexpensive and adaptable to field work.

Chicken Ascariasis and Heterakiasis: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors, in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia.

IntroductionChicken nematodes are found all over the world. Ascaris and Heterakis are among the cosmopolitan chicken nematodes. In different parts of Ethiopia, these parasites have long been thought to be the leading cause of illness and loss of productivity. However, there has been little research on their burden in Gondar city; hence, this study was carried out to establish a realistic estimate of the prevalence of Ascariasis and Heterakiasis in chickens.MethodologyA cross-sectional study was undertaken in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia, from November 2019 to May 2020 to evaluate the prevalence and different related risk factors of chicken Ascaris and Heterakis infections. A total of 384 hens were tested utilizing the faecal flotation technique, with 170 native and 214 alien varieties. During the collection of faecal samples, the breed, age, production system, and feces consistency of chickens were all taken into account.ResultsOne hundred seventy-one (44.5%) of the total (384) investigated feces tested positive for at least one of these parasite illnesses. The parasite’s prevalence was influenced by age, breed, and the type of production technique used. A higher infection rate was observed in the younger (68.9%) indigenous (67.1%) chickens reared under the extensive production system (46.9%).Discussion and ConclusionThe prevalence of ascariasis and heterakiasis was nearly half percent in this study, even though the study was conducted in dry season, which is relatively unfavorable to parasites living in the environment and it specified only on the two common chicken ascaris nematodes. This study strongly suggested that Ascaris and Heterakis parasites were serious problems for chickens in Gondar city, and appropriate control strategies needed to be advised.

Further evaluation and validation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: in-clinic feline and canine fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm

BackgroundFecal examinations in pet cats and dogs are key components of routine veterinary practice; however, their accuracy is influenced by diagnostic methodologies and the experience level of personnel performing the tests. The VETSCAN IMAGYST system was developed to provide simpler and easier fecal examinations which are less influenced by examiners’ skills. This system consists of three components: a sample preparation device, an automated microscope scanner, and analysis software. The objectives of this study were to qualitatively evaluate the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST system on feline parasites (Ancylostoma and Toxocara cati) and protozoan parasites (Cystoisospora and Giardia) and to assess and compare the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation method to reference centrifugal and passive flotation methods.MethodsTo evaluate the diagnostic performance of the scanning and algorithmic components of the VETSCAN IMAGYST system, fecal slides were prepared by the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation technique with pre-screened fecal samples collected from dogs and cats and examined by both an algorithm and parasitologists. To assess the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation technique, diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were calculated and compared to those of conventional flotation techniques.ResultsThe performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST algorithm closely correlated with evaluations by parasitologists, with sensitivity of 75.8–100% and specificity of 93.1-100% across the targeted parasites. For samples with 50 eggs or less per slide, Lin’s concordance correlation coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.95 across the targeted parasites. The results of the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal flotation method correlated well with those of the conventional centrifugal flotation method across the targeted parasites: sensitivity of 65.7–100% and specificity of 97.6–100%. Similar results were observed for the conventional passive flotation method compared to the conventional centrifugal flotation method: sensitivity of 56.4–91.7% and specificity of 99.4–100%.ConclusionsThe VETSCAN IMAGYST scanning and algorithmic systems with the VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal preparation technique demonstrated a similar qualitative performance to the parasitologists’ examinations with conventional fecal flotation techniques. Given the deep learning nature of the VETSCAN IMAGYST system, its performance is expected to improve over time, enabling it to be utilized in veterinary clinics to perform fecal examinations accurately and efficiently.Graphical

Choleoeimeria spp. Prevalence in Captive Reptiles in Germany and a New Treatment Option in a Lawson's Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)

Coccidia are common endoparasites in reptiles, especially lizards. Within this class Choleoeimeria spp. infections are rarely detected, but they may have a high pathogenic potential and treatments are often unsuccessful. A retrospective study was performed evaluating the prevalence of Choleoeimeria in fecal samples from lizards submitted for routine examination to a diagnostic laboratory in Germany. Between 2013 and 2014, 1.5% (n = 24/1,621; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.2%) of coprological samples from different lizard species tested positive for Choleoeimeria oocysts using a fecal flotation technique. This prevalence was similar to data obtained 10 yr earlier at the same laboratory. Infected species included central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), collared lizards (Crotaphytus collaris), unclassified agamids, monitors, one horned tree lizard (Acanthosaura sp.), one gecko, one common bluetongue (Tiliqua scincoides), and one chameleon. Different treatments (toltrazuril in varying intervals or trimethoprim and sulfonamide) in combination with strict environmental hygiene and disinfection with p-Chlor-m-Kresol did not impact fecal oocyst shedding for one juvenile Lawson's dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni). A new therapy approach using 10 mg/kg toltrazuril PO q 24 h for 3 days, with a repeat in 7 days, combined with 5 mg/kg clindamycin PO q 24 h for 7 days, finally resulted in negative oocyst shedding. Possible explanations for the challenging treatment of Choleoeimeria spp. are their localization in the gallbladder or the phylogenetical distance of the genus Choleoeimeria to the typical members of the family Eimeriidae. Further research is needed to increase our knowledge of these parasites and to develop an evidence-based treatment approach for diseased reptiles.

Evaluation of the VETSCAN IMAGYST: an in-clinic canine and feline fecal parasite detection system integrated with a deep learning algorithm

BackgroundFecal examination is an important component of routine companion animal wellness exams. Sensitivity and specificity of fecal examinations, however, are influenced by sample preparation methodologies and the level of training and experience of personnel who read fecal slides. The VETSCAN IMAGYST system consists of three components: a sample preparation device, a commercially available scanner, and an analysis software. The VETSCAN IMAGYST automated scanner and cloud-based, deep learning algorithm, locates, classifies, and identifies parasite eggs found on fecal microscopic slides. The main study objectives were (i) to qualitatively evaluate the capabilities of the VETSCAN IMAGYST screening system and (ii) to assess and compare the performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST fecal preparation methods to conventional fecal flotation techniques.MethodsTo assess the capabilities of VETSCAN IMAGYST screening components, fecal slides were prepared by the VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotation techniques with 100 pre-screened fecal samples collected from dogs and cats and examined by both the algorithm and parasitologists. To determine the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the VETSCAN IMAGYST sample preparation techniques, fecal flotation slides were prepared by four different techniques (VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotations, conventional centrifugal flotation, and passive flotation using OVASSAY® Plus) and examined by parasitologists. Additionally, required sample preparation and scanning times were estimated on a subset of samples to evaluate VETSCAN IMAGYST ease-of-use.ResultsThe algorithm performance of the VETSCAN IMAGYST closely matched that of the parasitologists, with Pearsonʼs correlation coefficient (r) ranging from 0.83–0.99 across four taxa of parasites, Ancylostoma, Toxocara, Trichuris and Taeniidae. Both VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotation methods correlated well with conventional preparation methods on all targeted parasites (diagnostic sensitivity of 75.8–100%, specificity of 91.8–100%, qualitative agreement between methods of 93.8–94.5%). Sample preparation, slide scan and image analysis were completed within 10–14 min by VETSCAN IMAGYST centrifugal and passive flotations, respectively.ConclusionsThe VETSCAN IMAGYST scanning system with the VETSCAN IMAGYST sample preparation methods demonstrated a qualitative match in comparison to the results of parasitologists’ examinations with conventional fecal flotation techniques. The VETSCAN IMAGYST is an easy-to-use, next generation qualitative and possibly quantitative diagnostic platform that brings expert clinical results into the hands of veterinary clinics.

Gastrointestinal parasites of a population of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil.

Emus are large flightless birds in the ratite group and are native to Australia. Since the mid-1980s, there has been increased interest in the captive breeding of emus for the production of leather, meat and oil. The aim of this study was to identify gastrointestinal parasites in the feces of emus Dromaius novaehollandiae from a South American scientific breeding. Fecal samples collected from 13 birds were examined by direct smears, both with and without centrifugation, as well as by the fecal flotation technique using Sheather's sugar solution. Trophozoites, cysts and oocysts of protozoa and nematode eggs were morphologically and morphometrically evaluated. Molecular analysis using PCR assays with specific primers for the genera Entamoeba, Giardia and Cryptosporidium were performed. Trophozoites and cysts of Entamoeba spp. and Giardia spp., oocysts of Eimeria spp. and Isospora dromaii, as well as eggs belonging to the Ascaridida order were found in the feces. Three animals were diagnosed with Giardia spp., and three were positive for Entamoeba spp. based on PCR techniques. After analyzing the data, we concluded that emus were infected enzootically by nematode and protozoan species.

Prevalence and genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii in stray cats in Mashhad area, Iran

BackgroundCats as a definitive host have an important role in the epidemiology of toxoplasmosis in humans and animals. The aim of the study was to determine the frequency of Toxoplasma gondii infection and isolate and identify the genotypes of T. gondii in stray cats in the Mashhad suburb.MethodsFrom April 2016 to August 2017, 175 fecal samples from stray cats and 31 brain samples from cats killed in driving accidents were collected. The fecal samples were examined by fecal flotation technique and T. gondii-specific PCR. The brain samples were investigated by T. gondii-specific PCR and consequently examined by mice bioassay. The DNA of T. gondii isolated was genotyped using SAG1, SAG2, SAG3, BTUB and GRA6 as PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) markers.ResultsIn the present study, Toxoplasma-like oocysts were microscopically observed in 2.2% (4/175) fecal samples. The presence of Toxoplasma oocysts was confirmed in one microscopy-positive sample by PCR. In addition, T. gondii DNA was detected in 4% (7/175) microscopy-negative samples using PCR. T. gondii was isolated from one brain PCR-positive sample by mice bioassay. The isolate was avirulent and many T. gondii cysts were observed in mice brain. The isolate was successfully genotyped by PCR-RLFP analysis. The isolated genotyped was type II. Besides, eight Toxoplasma-positive fecal samples contained insufficient DNA and only amplified at SAG-3 locus in PCR. These samples were also showed type II pattern at this locus.ConclusionsParasitological and molecular results showed low frequency of Toxoplasma infection in the stray cats, and identified the genotype of T. gondii isolate as type II, for the first time in Mashhad area, Khorasan Razavi Province.

First records of gastrointestinal parasites in woolly monkeys (&lt;i&gt;Lagothrix lagothricha&lt;/i&gt;) in Colombia, from wild, captive and reintroduced individuals

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Interest about parasites in vertebrate populations during translocation and reintroduction programs is increasing; thus, a description of parasites in captivity infecting animals to be relocated is necessary. This study aimed to characterize the communities of gastrointestinal parasites in woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagothricha) from captive and wild individuals, as well as the change in parasite prevalence in four individuals during a reintroduction process. To accomplish this goal, we used a fecal flotation technique to analyze the collected samples. In captivity, 95 % of the screened samples were infected with at least one parasite, while only 77 % of wild primate samples showed infection, indicating higher prevalence in captive vs. wild individuals. Overall, wild and captive woolly monkeys shared many groups of parasites (Strongylidae, Oxyuridae and Entamoebidae) and we found a trend of lower parasite prevalence after release in captive individuals. Our data showed a consistent difference between captive and reintroduced individuals suggesting that variables related to diet, overcrowding and human presence may be the most important factors explaining parasite communities.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Internal parasitic burdens in brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) from Grenada, West Indies

This study identified the endoparasites in Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) during May to July 2017 in Grenada, West Indies. A total of 162 rats, 76 females and 86 males were trapped from St. George and St. David parishes in Grenada. The collected fecal samples were examined for parasitic eggs and/or oocysts using simple fecal flotation technique. Adult parasites found in the intestinal tract were examined for identification. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasites among rats was 79 %.Ten helminth species were recovered, several of which were reported for the first time in rodents in Grenada. The internal parasites consist of seven nematodes (Angiostrongylus spp., Nippostrongylus braziliensis, Heterakis spumosa, Strongyloides ratti, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Syphacia spp. and Protospirura spp.), one cestode (Hymenolepsis diminuta), one acanthocephalan (Moniliformis moniliformis) and one protozoa species (Eimeria spp.). The most prevalent zoonotic species were Angiostrongylus spp. (35.2%), Hymenolepsis diminuta (7.4%) and Moniliformis moniliformis (3.1%). Several nonzoonotic endoparasites; which included Nippostrongylus braziliensis (50.6%), Heterakis spumosa (15.4%), Strongyloides ratti (43.2%), Aspiculuris tetraptera (2.5%), Syphacia spp. (1.9%), Protospirura spp. (1.2%) and Eimeria spp. (4.7%) were also identified. The most prevalent parasites were Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (50.6%), Strongyloides ratti (43.2%) and Angiostrongylus spp. (35.2%). Co-infections occurred with up to six species per rat showing different combinations of parasitic infections.

Intestinal parasites in Galapagos sea lions (Zalophus wollebaeki) Sivertsen, 1953 on San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos, Ecuador.

Knowledge regarding endoparasites of Galapagos sea lions, Zalophus wollebaeki Sivertsen, 1953, is limited to 1 report. Herein, we examined feces extracted from the lower gastro-intestinal tract of 15 Galapagos sea lions (GSL) plus 14 fecal mounds nearby GSL at 4 locations on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos beginning in May continuing through June 2016. Using standard fecal flotation and sedimentation techniques, lungworm larvae, suggestive of Parafilaroides and Otostrongylus sp., eggs of pseudophyllidea cestodes and anisakid nematodes, and coccidian oocysts were collected from study samples. This is the first report of potential lungworm larvae, anisakids, pseudophyllidea cestodes and coccidian parasites in GSL.

Eimeriosis Seasonal Dynamics Patterns at an Organic Sheep Farm in the Czech Republic

Abstract This epidemiological study monitored the occurrence of the coccidia genus Eimeria and their species composition over a oneyear period at an organic sheep farm in the Czech Republic. Individual faecal samples were collected from thirty lambs and thirty ewes once a month throughout the whole survey. As a result, 348 and 333 samples from ewes and lambs respectively were evaluated using the faecal flotation technique. The overall prevalence of eimeriosis was 75.7% and 54.0% for lambs and ewes respectively. Four Eimeria species (E. ovinoidalis, E. crandallis/weybridgensis, E. parva, and E. intricata) were identified in both, lambs and ewes, during this survey. The most prevalent species was E. ovinoidalis, with an overall prevalence of 84% in ewes and 85% in lambs, followed by E. parva and E. crandallis/weybridgensis. The oocysts faecal output was seasonal. The highest oocysts per gram levels were detected in February (139 000) and May (250 000) in ewes and in February (1 949 900), March (326 000), and May (187 700) in lambs. The intensity of Eimeria infection differed significantly (P &lt; 0.0001) between ewes and lambs during the monitored period.

Prevalence of &lt;i&gt;Eimeria&lt;/i&gt; species in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria

Eimeria species are protozoan parasites causing coccidiosis in exotic and local breeds of chickens. Coccidiosis is the most important protozoan disease to the world poultry industry and domestic chickens are considered susceptible to seven species of Eimeria. A survey was carried out between March and May 2010 in order to determine the species of Eimeria causing coccidiosis in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria. The Wisconsin’s faecal flotation technique was employed to analyze faecal samples obtained from 150 local breed chickens within the metropolis. The samples were examined for the presence of Emeria oocysts and 64 (42.7%) of the samples examined were positive for Eimeria oocyts. Four species of Eimeria were identified and the prevalence of infection were E. tenella 25 (39.1%), E. acervulina 18 (28.1%), E. necatrix, 12 (18.8%) and E. maxima 9 (14.1%). Higher prevalence were observed in males 29 (46.2%), young birds 34 (56.7%) and birds from the free range management system 44 (57.8%), than in females 35 (40.2%), adults 30 (32.3%) and birds from the semi intensive management system 20 (30.8%) respectively. Chi square test revealed no statistically significant differences in infections with sex, age and between the free range and semi intensive management systems. Recommendations were made based on the results obtained as to the effective control of coccidiosis in local breed chickens in Gombe metropolis.© 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.Keywords: Survey, Coccidia, Coccidiosis, poultry, production

Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasites of Small Ruminants and Anthelmintics Efficacy Test in Sheep of Haramaya District, Eastern Ethiopia

The combination of cross-section and controlled field trail were carried out from December 2015 to June 2016 at Haramaya District, Eastern Hararhge, Ethiopia to evaluate the prevalence ofgastrointestinal nematodes and anthelmintic efficacy test in naturally infected small ruminants using faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test. From a total of 372 faecal samples examined using fecal flotation technique about 57% (212/372) samples were positive to gastrointestinal nematodes. Coprological investigation revealed that sheep and goats in district were infested with varieties of nematode parasites. The strongyles species were highly prevalent nematode parasites identified at about 22.3% (83/372) followed by trichuris 9.1% (34/372) and strongyloides 5.6% (21/372); whereas mixed infections of strongyles and strongyloides were recovered at lowest rate which accounted for about 5.1% (19/372). From considered risk factors age and kebele showed significant association (p&lt;0.05) with prevalence of nematodes parasites. The study revealed that 53.29% (97/182) of goats and 60.53% (115/190) sheep were found positive, while 58% (115/198) in female and 55.74% (97/174) in male and showed no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between these factors. Mc Master egg counting in sheep harbored nematode parasites showed relatively similar percentage with no significant difference; but more of examined animals were classified in the range of moderate to heavy infections. The faecal egg count reduction test against albendazole, Tetraclozash and ivermectin indicated that 97.59%, 98.79% and 99.56% respectively which indicated an overall of very good state of efficacy against gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep. Therefore this study revealed that small ruminants of the study area harbored considerable level of gastrointestinal nematodes parasites which need further studies on species identification, larval ecology and strategic deworming with proper practice of available anthelmintics in small ruminants of the study area.

Prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths of faeces from in-door dogs and stray-dogs in Makurdi, Nigeria

This study was designed to determine the prevalence of gastro-intestinal helminths in dogs and dog faeces collected from streets in Makurdi, Nigeria. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July-September 2013. A total of 400 faecal samples viz 300 from household dogs and 100 from streets were collected and parasitologically screened using saline wet mount and faecal flotation technique. Questionnaire survey was also carried out among dog owners. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infection in dogs, and in dog faeces collected from streets was 65.7% and 59.0% respectively. The five major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites identified in faecal samples of household dogs include: Ancylostoma spp (39.0%), Dipylidium spp (6.0%), Echinococcus spp (1.0%), Toxocara spp (0.7%), Trichuris vulpis (1.0%). The four major gastro-intestinal helminth parasites identified in faecal samples collected from streets are: Ancylostoma spp (44.0%), Dipylidium spp (2.0%), Toxocara spp (1.0%), Trichuris vulpis (1.0%). There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in infection prevalence between male and female dogs. Prevalence of helminth parasite was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) in adult dogs (13-24 months) than in young dogs (0-6 months). The local breed had a higher prevalence than the exotic breed and cross breed with a significant difference (p&lt;0.05). Only 7% of dog owners in this study had awareness about canine zoonotic parasites. Due to the high prevalence of zoonotic canine gastro-intestinal helminths encountered and the low level of awareness of dog owners, there is need to educate dog owners and the public on these parasites as it will go a long way in their control.Keywords: prevalence, gastro-intestinal helminthes, faecal samples, dogs, streets

Ovine coccidiosis: prevalence and associated risk factors inand around Addis-Zemen, Northwest Ethiopia

This cross-sectional study was conducted in and around Addis-Zemen from November 2014 to April 2015 to determine the prevalence of ovine coccidiosis and to identify associated risk factors. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of 384 randomly selected animals. A centrifugal faecal flotation technique using saturated salt solution was used to detect Eimeria oocysts. Out of 384 samples, only 88 were found to contain Eimeria oocysts. Eimeria infection was recorded in all age and sex groups of the study animals. A strong significant association was observed (P 0.05) association was recorded between Eimeria infection and the origins and sex of the animals. Eimeria infection is likely to become a more important problem in small ruminants and will have great significance for producers in the future, as the increasing scarcity of land for grazing is forcing people to adopt more intensive management systems. Therefore, planning an effective control and prevention programme is essential if the well-being and productivity of sheep are to be maintained.