Small Ruminant Farms Research Articles

Enzootic Ovine Abortion among small ruminants in Southern Benin.

The advancement of small ruminant farming in Benin has encountered challenges associated with health issues and agricultural practices. This study aimed to provide the initial documentation of the prevalence of enzootic ovine abortion and evaluate the health status of animals concerning various recurring diseases on traditional small ruminant farms in Benin. In 2023, a semi-structured survey of 450 farms was carried out in two agricultural development centers in Benin. Additionally, 385 sera samples (200 sheep and 185 goats) from 77 farms, selected from the 450 surveyed farms, where animals exhibited signs of reproductive loss, underwent testing using the indirect Elisa method for Chlamydia abortus species. Among the 385 sera samples tested, 30 (7.79%) from pole 1 and 25 (6.49%) from pole 2 were positive for Chlamydia abortus. The survey results unveiled that small ruminants were primarily raised for savings and, to a lesser extent, for meat production and socio-cultural reasons, predominantly in Pole 1. During the rainy season, the common practice among farmers is to let their animals run free, although some opt to tie them to a fixed stake or keep them in loose confinement, the latter being more common in pole 2. The primary animal diseases reported by farmers included peste des petits ruminants, scabies, verminous digestive diseases, pasteurellosis, Rift Valley fever, sheep pox, agalactia, and trypanosomosis. The incidence of these diseases varied between the poles. Enzootic Ovine Abortion emerges as a substantial threat to both animal well-being and public health. This research sheds light on the overlooked nature of this perilous disease, aiming to contribute to the enhancement of small ruminant livestock.

Socioeconomic status of small ruminant rearers in selected provinces in Sierra Leone

This study focused on assessing the socio-economic characteristics of small ruminant farmers and identifying key challenges impairing the growth of the small ruminant local industry in selected provinces in Sierra Leone. The research adopted a cross-sectional design to generated primary information from 438 respondents in six selected districts using a well-structured pre-tested questionnaire. The data was analyzed using the statistical tool SPSS (version 23.0), the relationship between assessed variables and location were tested using Pearson’s Chi-square test. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were men (60.5%), married (83.8%), had no formal education (79.2%), and above 50 years old (62.8%). Small ruminants were predominantly owned by men, but women and children (47.5%) were mainly responsible for routine management practices. The primary reasons for keeping small ruminants include cultural practices (78.5%), household income (71.5%), food (66.3%), and religious practices (64.6%). Farmers preferred rearing small ruminants over other livestock due to high market demand (31.1%), disease tolerance (20.5%), adaptation (16.0%), and prolificacy (13.2%). Income generated from the sales of small ruminants was mostly used to purchase food (68.0%), for educational purposes (64.2%), and crop farming (51.6%). The major challenges for farmers were diseases/parasites (100.0%), inadequate animal health services (80.8%), animal theft (63.7%), and mortality (62.1%). According to 81.7%, 77.2%, 73.1%, and 71.2% of the farmers, peste des petits ruminants, skin infection, foot rot, and reproductive diseases were regarded as the main diseases of small ruminants. To enhance productivity of small ruminants in the study areas, continuous education, improved biosecurity, and robust measures by the government and community are required to overcome these challenges.

Epidemiological characteristics and prevention and control strategies for Eimeria spp. in sheep and goats in China: a systematic review

AbstractSheep and goat coccidiosis has a worldwide distribution and is an important disease on lambing farms. Infection with multiple Eimeria species can lead to severe intestinal damage in sheep/goats and economic losses on farms. Disease is a serious constraint to the healthy development of small ruminant farming. Studies published on PubMed, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang and the resulting references of selected studies were included. Risk factors affecting prevalence were analyzed and stratified by geographic location and climatic variables, age, sex, feeding model, season, sample year, breeds and environment. The total prevalence of coccidia in sheep and goats reached more than 60% in most regions, in which the dominant species in sheep were mainly E. parva, E. ovinoidalis, and E. parva and E. ahsata. East China had the lowest prevalence of coccidia infection in sheep (43.24%), and the dominant species were different from those in the other regions, mainly E. bakuensis and E. gonzalezi. Southwestern China and Central China had slightly less than 40.0% goat coccidia infection, and the dominant species in goats were mainly E. arloingi, E. aligevi, E. hirci and E. ninakohlyakimovae. Sheep/goats of different ages can be infected with coccidiosis, but lambs between 1 and 3 months of age are more susceptible to the disease. When lambs become infected, the pathogen spreads rapidly throughout the herd. Spring, summer and autumn are the seasons with a high incidence of this disease. Environmental pollution may be a significant factor in the development of coccidiosis in sheep raised in large-scale housing. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the species, morphology and geographic distribution of Eimeria species in sheep and goats, summary prevalence in different regions of China, risk factors affecting prevalence, and prevention and control strategies.

The Use of Mesquite Pods (Prosopis spp.) as an Alternative to Improve the Productive Performance and Methane Mitigation in Small Ruminants: A Meta-Analysis

Mesquite (Prosopis spp.), a highly nutritious legume from arid regions characterized by its secondary metabolites, offers a cost-effective resource to provide energy and protein for small ruminant farmers in harsh environments. In addition, the high concentrations of secondary metabolites found in mesquite pods could be an option to mitigate methane (CH4) emissions. Thus, the aim of this study was to conduct an analytical review to assess the impact of adding mesquite pods on small ruminant productivity and enteric CH4 emissions. A comprehensive and structured search of scientific articles resulted in a database of 38 trials. The response variables were evaluated through raw mean differences (RMDs) and standardized mean differences (SMDs), followed by a meta-regression, used to investigate the heterogeneity of the explanatory variables. Supplementation with mesquite pods significantly increased the dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR), with sheep showing the highest effect. The meta-regression demonstrated that the mesquite pod effect was influenced mainly by the species, level of incorporation and processing of the pods. Studies employing in silico CH4 estimation reported increased emissions when the diets included mesquite pods. In contrast, in vivo studies demonstrated promising results, showing a significant reduction in CH4 emissions when mesquite pods were included in small ruminant diets. Therefore, future research should focus on evaluating mesquite pod supplementation using precise methods to assess CH4 emissions.

Evaluation of anemia Haemoprotozoan diseases in goats by using FAMACHA scoring in Barishal district, Bangladesh

Anemia in goats is a prevalent and significant health issue, characterized by pale mucous membranes, tachycardia, weakness, activity intolerance, reduced body weight, and stunted growth. It is often caused by hemoprotozoan diseases, parasitism (both internal and external), and nutritional deficiencies. For small ruminant farmers, anemia poses severe economic challenges by reducing productivity, including slower growth rates and lower milk yields, and increasing mortality if left untreated. This study was conducted in Barishal Sadar Upazila, Barishal district, over a 3 month period from November 2021, to January 2022 Out of 216 goats examined, 37 cases (17.12%) were diagnosed with anemia. The data revealed that Black Bengal goats had the highest prevalence of anemia (62.16%), followed by Jamunapari (29.73%) and crossbreeds (8.11%). Female goats (62.17%) were more affected than males (37.83%). Anemia was most prevalent in goats aged 13-18 months (59.46%), compared to 7-12 months (24.33%) and 0-6 months (16.21%). The FAMACHA scoring system was used to assess anemia severity, offering an affordable, practical, and accessible tool for evaluating conjunctival color on a scale from 1 (no anemia) to 5 (severe anemia). In this study, I standardized the FAMACHA chart for goats in the Barishal district. The results showed that as FAMACHA scores increased, red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb) levels, and packed cell volume (PCV) decreased, while white blood cell (WBC) counts increased, indicating more severe anemia. Elevated WBC counts also suggested possible underlying infections. This study underscores the FAMACHA chart’s effectiveness in diagnosing anemia and highlights its potential as a valuable tool for anemia management in tropical and subtropical regions.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Dogs in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece: Prevalence, Involvement of Wild Canid Predators and Use of Anthelmintics.

The objectives of the present work were the investigation of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in dogs in small ruminant farms in Greece, the elucidation of potential predictors for these infections and the description of practices related to administration of anthelmintics to dogs. This study was carried out in 444 small ruminant farms in Greece. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the dogs in the farms. The samples were processed by means of conventional parasitological techniques, specifically, a combined sedimentation flotation technique. There were dogs in 92.8% of the farms, with a median number of four dogs per farm. The following variables were associated with the presence of dogs in the farms: the presence of wild mammal predators near the farms, the increased daily period of farmers' presence at the farm, goats as the livestock species at the farm and the management system applied in the farm. Helminth eggs were detected in samples from 72.6% of the farms. The main helminth eggs detected were those of hookworms (Uncinaria/Ancylostoma) and Toxocara canis, in 68.6% and 51.3% of the farms, respectively. In our multivariable analyses, an association emerged between the presence of canid predators near a farm and the detection of these helminths in faecal samples: in 76% and 60% of the samples, respectively, versus in 58% and 39% of the samples from farms with no canid presence. Of farmers with dogs, 16.0% reported that they omitted the administration of anthelmintics to the animals. In multivariable analysis, the semi-extensive or extensive management system applied in the farm, the lower annual milk production per animal and the lack of collaboration with a veterinary practice were the significant predictors for the omission of anthelmintic administration to the farm dogs. There was also a clear association in the omission of anthelmintic administration to the dogs and to the livestock on the farm. The most frequently administered anthelmintic was praziquantel, which was used in 93.6% of the farms.

Identification and mapping of objects targeted for surveillance and their role as risk factors for brucellosis in livestock farms in Kazakhstan.

Objects for Targeted Surveillance (OTS) are infrastructure entities that can be considered as focal points and conduits for transmitting infectious animal diseases, necessitating ongoing epidemiological surveillance. These entities encompass slaughterhouses, meat processing plants, animal markets, burial sites, veterinary laboratories, etc. Currently, in Kazakhstan, a funded research project is underway to establish a Geographic Information System (GIS) database of OTSs and investigate their role in the emergence and dissemination of infectious livestock diseases. This initial investigation examined the correlation between brucellosis outbreaks in cattle and small ruminant farms in the southeastern region of Kazakhstan and the presence of OTSs categorized as "slaughterhouses," "cattle markets," and "meat processing plants. The study area (namely Qyzylorda, Turkestan, Zhambyl, Almaty, Zhetysu, Abay and East Kazakhstan oblasts), characterized by the highest livestock density in the country, covers 335 slaughterhouses (with varying levels of biosecurity), 45 livestock markets and 15 meat processing plants. Between 2020 and 2023, 338 cases of brucellosis were reported from livestock farms in this region. The findings of the regression model reveal a statistically significant (p<0.05) positive association between the incidence of brucellosis cases and the number of OTSs in the region. Conversely, meat processing plants and livestock markets did not exhibit a significant influence on the prevalence of brucellosis cases. These results corroborate the hypothesis of an elevated risk of brucellosis transmission in regions with slaughterhouses, likely attributable to increased animal movements within and across regions, interactions with vehicles and contact with slaughterhouse staff. These outcomes mark a pivotal advancement in the national agricultural development agenda. The research will be extended to encompass the entire country, compiling a comprehensive OTS database.

Profiles of local breeds of Sahelian goat and Ladem sheep and proposals for their genetic improvement in Mauritania.

Small ruminants play a significant role in Mauritanian culture and traditions. The purpose of this study was to characterize the breeding system of two locally dominant breeds, the Sahelian goat and the Ladem sheep. This characterization was based on the technical and socio-economic characteristics of the breeders, as well as the morpho-biometric features of the animals. The study was conducted between April and June 2019 and involved 45 breeders located around two small ruminant pilot farms in the Benichab and Kankoussa departments of Mauritania. A questionnaire was administered to the breeders and sixteen measurements were taken on 303 animals (185 goats and 118 sheep). Small ruminant breeding in the study sites is practiced by both men (55%) and women (45%). Breeding can be focused solely on goats (38%), solely on sheep (9%), or include both species (53%). The average herd size is 20 ± 15 for goats and 19 ± 16 for sheep. For the Sahel goat, the height at the wither ranges from 68 to 78cm in males and from 63 to 76cm in females, while the body weight ranges from 20 to 43kg. The most common morphotypes are multicolored (71%), with unicolored animals being less common (29%). As for the Ladem sheep (also known as Touabire), the height at the wither ranges from 70 to 87cm in males and from 64 to 85cm in females. The body weight ranges from 25 to 62kg. The coat is predominantly white with black spots (91%), sometimes red or grey-spotted. The survey also identified the breeding objectives of the farmers. The breeders primarily reported objectives of conformation and growth performances (68%), followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (32%) for the Ladem sheep. In the case of the Sahelian goat, milk production (73%) is the predominant objective, followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (27%). Based on the collected information, tailored selection schemes have been proposed for the Ladem sheep and the Sahelian goat to improve their performances, enhance their breeding, and maintain a focus on the sustainability and resilience of these two local breeds in Mauritania.

Treatment ineffectiveness towards Haemonchus contortus is highly prevalent in sheep and goat farms of North-Eastern Italy

BackgroundAnthelmintic resistance (AR) is a global threat to grazing livestock farming. In Italy, anthelmintic efficacy remains high compared to other European countries, but many parts of the country haven’t been investigated yet. Local veterinary practitioners from Trentino and Veneto regions reported suspected inefficacy towards anthelmintic drugs in some of their farms, prompting a study on AR in sheep and goat farms of northern Italy. The study aimed to assess anthelmintic effectiveness using genus-specific faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT), to detect differences in treatment response among nematode genera involved in the infection.ResultsTwelve farms (6 sheep and 6 goat farms) were included based on clinical suspicion of AR. Treatments were carried out with either benzimidazoles (BZ) or macrocyclic lactones (ML) Treatment was effective in 3/6 goat trials, with reduced effectiveness to BZ in two farms and to ML the last one. In sheep farms (6/6), effectiveness was consistently and more severely insufficient. Ineffectiveness was particularly high towards Haemonchus contortus, while Oesophagostomum/Chabertia maintained susceptibility in nearly all trials. Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia exhibited intermediate results.ConclusionsThis study reveals diminished efficacy of both BZ and ML in small ruminant farms in north-eastern Italy, an area previously lacking data on the topic, except for goats in South Tyrol. Variability in treatment responses among nematode genera support suspicions of AR, and further concerns are raised by the prevalence of treatment ineffectiveness against the highly pathogenic Haemonchus contortus. This finding underscores the urgent need for comprehensive AR monitoring in the area and improved management practices to prevent further resistance development and protect livestock health.

One Health Farming: Noninvasive monitoring reveals links between farm vertebrate richness and pathogen markers in outdoor hoofstock

Outdoor farming contributes to biodiversity conservation and enhances animal welfare, but also raises biosafety concerns due to livestock contact with potentially infected wildlife. Thus, there is a need to assess the balance between vertebrate species richness on farms, visits by wildlife species posing a biosafety risk, and pathogen circulation in open-air farming systems. We explored these links in a pilot study involving 15 open-air hoofstock farms (6 cattle, 5 small ruminant, and 4 pig farms), where we conducted interviews and risk point inspections and used two noninvasive tools: short-term camera trap (CT) deployment and environmental nucleic acid detection (ENAD). CTs were deployed to assess the richness of birds and mammals, as well as to determine the percentage of CTs detecting defined risk species. We also collected livestock feces and used sponges to sample surfaces for environmental DNA (eDNA), testing for nine pathogen markers. Total vertebrate richness ranged from 18 to 42 species, with waterholes significantly contributing to farm vertebrate richness, since 48.2 % of all wild vertebrates were detected at waterbodies, and 28.6 % were exclusively detected at waterholes. Pathogen markers detected at risk points correlated with those detected in livestock samples. Notably, the frequency of uidA marker detection correlated with the total number of pathogen markers detected per farm. Overall marker richness, an indicator of pathogen diversity, varied between farms, being higher in small ruminant farms compared to cattle or pig farms. At the farm level, wild vertebrate richness was negatively correlated with the richness of pathogen markers detected at risk points. Additionally, risk points with a higher probability of detecting more pathogen markers had lower vertebrate richness. Although CT-based assessments of vertebrate richness and ENAD-based pathogen marker detection are only indicators of actual biodiversity and farm health, respectively, our findings suggest that farmland vertebrate communities provide important ecosystem services and may help limit the circulation of multi-host pathogens.

Small ruminant farmers’ feeding strategies to cope with climate change across five agroecological zones of Benin, West Africa

This study aimed to understand feeding strategies used by small ruminant farmers to cope with climatic change in the five contrasting agroecological zones (AEZ) of the Benin Republic and to identify the determinants of adopting these strategies. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to conduct interviews with 400 smallholder farmers in the rural areas of Benin. Data was collected on production system characteristics, farmers’ perception of climatic changes' impacts on livestock production, and their coping strategies. Cross tabulations with Chi2 statistic and the non-parametric Kruskal Wallis test were used to compare farmers’ perceptions and coping strategies between the five AEZ. Then, the binomial logistic regression was used to identify determinants of using a particular adaptive feeding strategy. The farmers perceived climatic changes as rainfall delays, increasing rainfall, less frequent drought periods during the rainy season, no change in sunshine duration, and no change in temperature. These changes negatively affected grassland biomass production (86.3 %, 86.3 % and 77.5 % of farmers in South Borgou, Plateau, Atacora chain AEZ, respectively) and water availability (100 %, 93.7 %, and 85 % of farmers in Oueme Valley, Plateau and Mekrou-penjari AEZ, respectively). Consequently, farmers mentioned decreased animal growth (58.8 % and 45 % of farmers in Plateau and South Borgou AEZ, respectively) and increased animal mortalities (43.8 % in Plateau AEZ). Farmers' current and future coping strategies varied significantly (p<0.05) among AEZ. These strategies included more diversification of feed resources used, more free wandering of animals, feeding intensification with supplements as current strategies, and new feed resource exploration and forage cultivation as future strategies. Logistic regression results showed that gender, education level, main activity, and the climatic and agroecological zones where the farm is located influenced the strategies used. The study showed that farmers understood climate change and its impact on production systems. In response, the common climate-smart feeding strategies adopted were mainly diversifying feed resources. Feed resources use strategies, and limitations to adopting these strategies, could be assessed in future studies.

Seroepidemiology of Coxiella burnetii in Domestic and Wild Ruminant Species in Southern Spain.

The European Food Safety Authority has recently listed Q fever as a priority for setting up a coordinated surveillance system. Although Spain is the country with the highest human incidence of the disease in the European Union, updated data on Coxiella burnetii in ruminants are still limited. A total of 780 serum samples from small ruminants and 605 sera from wild ruminants were collected in the Mediterranean ecosystems of southern Spain during the period 2015-2023. Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were detected using a commercial indirect ELISA. The overall individual seroprevalence in the small ruminants was 49.1% (383/780; 95% CI: 45.6-52.6). Antibodies against C. burnetii were identified in 40.0% (156/390) of sheep and in 58.2% (227/390) of goats. At least one seropositive animal was observed in all sheep (100%) and in 92.3% of goat flocks. The species (goat) and the existence of reproductive disorders in primiparous females were potential risk factors for C. burnetii exposure in small ruminant farms. In the wild ruminants, the overall seroprevalence against C. burnetii was 1.5% (9/605; 95% CI: 0.8-2.8). Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were found in 1.8% (2/110) of mouflon, 1.5% (6/390) of red deer, and 1.0% (1/105) of Iberian ibex. The high exposure of the small ruminants to C. burnetii, particularly in goats, detected in the present study is of animal and public health concern. Our results denote that wild ruminants only play a minor role in the epidemiology of this bacterium in southern Spain and suggest an independent epidemiological cycle of C. burnetii in domestic and wild ruminant species in the study area.

An Effective Tag Estimation Method Based upon Artificial Neural Networks and Signal Strength for Anticollision in Radio Frequency Identification Systems

Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been widely used in applications such as access control, inventory management, spatial positioning, and object identification. Accurate tag estimation is one of the major challenges in RFID reader systems particularly in areas where large tag populations are to be identified such as shopping carts, warehouse inventory monitoring, and small ruminant farms. This paper proposes a new tag estimation technique employing artificial neural networks (ANNs) and signal strength to read large tag populations. The technique estimates the number of tags through the signal strength of the backscatter channel for efficient implementation of dynamic framed slotted Aloha (DFSA) protocol by analyzing the RN16 and the received signal strength indicator (RSSI). The ANN model is trained using the signal strength of various tag populations and can identify the number of tags with minimal errors. The proposed technique does not require any modification in the tags and is implemented as a minimal software script to be added to the tag estimation module of the reader. The proposed signal strength-ANN model is able to estimate the accurate number of tags thereby improving the performance of the employed DFSA model.

Effect of feeding a blackseed meal-sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellet on gastrointestinal nematode and coccidia infection and animal performance in young goats

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection poses the most significant obstacle to the sustainable development of small ruminant (sheep and goat) farming globally. Resistance of GINs to synthetic anthelmintic drugs has led to rising interest in exploring alternative methods for parasite control, such as the utilization of bioactive plants with anti-parasitic properties. In this investigation, black seed (Nigella sativa), a shrub high in secondary antioxidant compounds, and sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata), a perennial legume high in tannins with anti-parasitic properties were combined to determine if two bioactive plants containing different types of secondary compounds can provide a stronger anti-parasitic effect than sericea lespedeza alone. In a 49-day trial, naturally parasitized 6–7-month-old intact male Spanish goats (n = 15/treatment) were fed pelletized feeds encompassing sericea lespedeza leaf meal (SL), a combination of black seed meal (BS) and sericea lespedeza leaf meal (BS-SL - 75 % SL, 25 % BS), or alfalfa (Medicago sativa, control parasitized; CONP), with an additional group of dewormed kids given the alfalfa pellets (Control treated; CONT). Weekly measurements of animal weights and samples of blood and feces were collected to determine the packed cell volume (PCV), GIN fecal egg counts (FEC), and coccidia fecal oocyte counts (FOC), respectively. All animals were processed at the end of the trial (60 total), with adult Haemonchus contortus worms recovered from the abomasum of each goat for counting and sex determination. Carcass weights were recorded after processing. Goats given the SL and BS-SL treatments had lower FEC (P<0.05) than the parasitized alfalfa (CONP) goats. At the end of the study, the SL and BS-SL groups' FOC values were lower (P < 0.05) than the CONT and CONP groups. A rise in PCV values was seen over time for all groups; SL, BS-SL, and CONT animals exhibited higher PCV values (P < 0.05) in comparison to the CONP goats. The parasitized goats fed SL-only pellets showed greater feed intake and animal body weights (P < 0.05) compared to goats fed BS-SL or alfalfa pellets. However, the treatments had no effect on the weight of the goats' carcasses. Although the H. contortus adult worm counts in the CONT goats (alfalfa-dewormed) were lower (P < 0.05) than in the CONP goats (alfalfa-parasitized), they did not differ from the SL or BS-SL animals. This study indicates that sericea lespedeza leaf meal pellet diet, either by itself or in combination with black seed meal, showed promising results as an anthelmintic and may prove to be an effective alternative to exclusive use of conventional deworming drugs. The addition of black seed did not appear to enhance the effectiveness of sericea lespedeza in this study.

Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitosis in small ruminant farms in the Sahelian zone of Niger

The general aim of this study is to analyse the risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitosis in small ruminants in order to contribute to the emergence of targeted treatment methods, at herd and agro-climatic zone levels, for the integrated and sustainable management of parasitic diseases in Sahelian livestock systems. The methodology was based on a questionnaire survey conducted in 37 villages and coprological analysis using the McMaster method on faecal samples from 968 small ruminants, including 555 goats and 413 sheep. Multiple logistic regression was used to highlight the risk factors associated with each type of parasitosis encountered. The results showed that the most widespread farming system remained 100% traditional, with feeding based essentially on natural grazing. Coprological results showed the prevalence of nematodosis (70.2%), Cestodosis (4.1%) and Coccidiosis (79.9%), with an average prevalence of coinfection of 56.9%. These parasite loads were significantly higher during the rainy season and in the more arid northern Sahelian zone, with a marked reduction at the end of the season. Average parasitic egg excretions were 1089 EPG of nematodes and 6864 EPG of coccidia. Parasite loads were higher in the wetter southern strip and varied significantly by breed. Of the five breeds of small ruminants studied, the ara-ara sheep had the highest parasitic loads and prevalences for nematodosis (78.6%), coccidiosis (89,3%) and coinfection (70.9%), appears to be the most susceptible to parasitosis. As for risk factors for severe parasite pressure, animals at the end of the rainy season, older animals and those with poor body condition were at risk of nematodiasis or coinfection. On the other hand, animals at the beginning of the rainy season, farms located in less arid southern Sahelian zones and male subjects were the groups at significant risk of coccidiosis. In these extensive Sahelian farming conditions, the control of these parasitoses by selective treatment of animals could be developed, targeting in particular the risk groups highlighted in this study.

Assessment of knowledge, attitudes, and practices on vaccine usage among small ruminant farmers in the Northern Region of Bangladesh.

Small ruminants require vaccines to prevent and manage diseases. Unfortunately, no studies have been conducted in Bangladesh to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of small ruminant farmers (SRF) regarding vaccine use against infectious diseases, affecting the success of vaccination campaigns. The present study aims to assess SRF's KAP regarding vaccines, revealing gaps and barriers to efficient vaccination. Two hundred and twenty-eight SRF in northern Bangladesh were surveyed in a cross-sectional study. Data were collected from random participants through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire. KAP levels were categorized as "good" or "poor" and "positive" or "negative" using a scoring method with a 60% cutoff. The analysis comprised the utilization of descriptive statistics as well as logistic regression models. Results showed that most participants were female (60.5%), aged 31-40 (34.2%), with secondary education (28.1%), and vaccination training (22.8%). While 75% knew about vaccines, only 37.3% understood their role in preventing infectious diseases, and 63.6% in reducing antibiotic use 68.4% of farmers were aware of negative drawbacks, and 61.8% reported vaccinating their herds. About 42.1% of the farmers had good knowledge, 52.6% had a positive attitude, and 22.8% followed good practices. Female farmers with graduate degrees and 6-10 years of goat farming experience, but not those with vaccination training, demonstrated stronger knowledge. Female farmers with a graduate degree and 6-10 years of goat farming experience displayed positive attitudes. Female goat farmers from Thakurgaon had a higher likelihood of following good vaccination practices than those with vaccination training. The study unearths disparities in KAP scores among farmers. To effectively address KAP gaps concerning vaccine usage and prevent potential infectious diseases, it is essential to design focused educational and training programs. About 52.6% of SRF hold a positive view toward vaccines.

Assessment of risk factors associated with epidemiology of Peste des Petits ruminants (PPR) in sheep and goats in Abia State, Nigeria

Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious and trans-boundary disease caused by the PPR virus belonging to the family; Paramyxoviridae and is closely related to the Rinderpest virus of cattle. Its implications on successful small ruminant farming cannot be over-emphasized. Its current status with respect to farmers' awareness and assessment of risk factors associated with the emergence and spread of the disease were investigated. A structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted from purposively selected farms on randomly selected local government areas (LGAs) in the three agricultural zones in Abia State. The questionnaires (n=42) were distributed among small ruminant farmers to determine the knowledge, attitude and preventive measures adopted by farmers, with respect to PPR in the study area. Statistical analysis was performed at a 95% confidence level using Statistical Package Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23. The study highlighted high levels (78.6%) of awareness of PPR in the study area. Out of all respondents, 64.3% practiced intensive system of management and 57.1% had observed outbreaks on their farms. About 26.2% noticed the disease especially in young animals, with 64.3% observing these outbreaks at certain season of the year. Quarantine (26.2%) and control of stray sheep/goats (42.9%) were the major preventive measures adopted in the study area. Only a few respondents (33.3%) vaccinated their animals while the majority of respondents (54.7%) never practice vaccination as a preventive measure. There was significant association (p&lt;0.05) between notice of disease, frequency of PPR occurrence, age of animals, seasons of occurrence and PPR outbreak. Limited use of veterinary services, seasons of the year, introduction of new or replacement animals into the flock without quarantine were identified risk factors associated with the emergence, spread and persistence of PPR in Abia State. Consequently, effective control measures such as mass vaccination especially at indicated peak seasons is recommended for the study area. Also, consistent extension programs for all stakeholders in the study area on the importance of PPR and economic benefits associated with curbing PPR in the area are pertinent.

Socio-Economic Structure, Production Practices, Observations and Suggestions in Nomadic Sheep Production in Ordu province located in Black-Sea Region of Türkiye

Products obtained from farm animals meet the need for animal protein, which has an important place in human nutrition. In recent years, the demand for the products of small ruminants has been increasing. Products obtained from small ruminants are important in meeting the nutritional needs of the world population. Especially in light of the effect of global warming, small ruminants production has become even more important. Especially considering the production conditions of small ruminants, the nutritional needs of animals are met by grazing in the existing highlands. This study was conducted in Ordu province, located in the Black Sea Region of Türkiye. The Black Sea region, with its coasts and springs, is a region where breeders engage in nomadic animal husbandry. In the study, it was determined that 86.6% of the nomadic sheep breeders are producing Karayaka breed sheep while 13.4% are breeding Karayaka crossbreds. In the study, 47.9% of the breeders who participated in the survey live in the village and 45.1% live in the district. Percent 94.4 of the breeders were male and 5.6% were female. It was determined that 32.4% of the breeders were between the ages of 41-50 and 40.8% were primary school graduates. The rate of those who contribute to their livelihood through husbandry is 57.2%. The rate of those who want to continue small ruminant farming in the future is 82.9%. Additionally, it was determined that the majority of breeders attach importance to record keeping and animal health protection practices. In the enterprises where the study was conducted, difficulties were encountered in supplying feed and finding shepherds, and high feed prices and labor costs were stated as the most common problems. In nomadic sheep breeding, grazing and climate parameters in pastures and plateaus have a significant impact on the nutrition of the animals. Therefore, facilitating the transportation of sheep to pastures and plateaus and the sustainability of these areas will positively affect nomadic sheep breeding.

Prevalence of Helminths in Small Ruminant Farms and Evaluation of Control Practices Used to Counter Anthelmintic Resistance in Southern Italy.

Anthelmintic resistance in small ruminants is a serious worldwide problem. To reduce their spread, it is essential to know the prevalence of helminths on farms and the control practices adopted. As these studies in the Calabria region of southern Italy are fragmentary and outdated, a study on the prevalence of helminths in small ruminant holdings in this area has been conducted. The measures implemented to control helminths were also evaluated through questionnaires administered to farmers. In particular, on 90 farms (45 sheep and 45 goats), 1800 faecal samples from 900 sheep and 900 goats were collected in the spring. Using the FLOTAC dual technique, parasitological examinations demonstrated the presence of gastrointestinal nematodes in 100% of sheep and goat farms, followed by Nematodirus spp. (84.44% sheep and 48.89% goats), Moniezia spp. (73.33% sheep and 35.56% goats), Trichuris ovis (48.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), lungworms (28.89% sheep and 42.22% goats), Strongyloides papillosus (40% sheep and 26.67% goats), Dicrocoelium dendriticum (13.33% sheep and 26.67% goats), Calicophoron daubneyi (6.67% sheep and 31.11% goats), Fasciola hepatica (6.67% sheep and 4.44% goats), and Skrjabinema ovis (4.44% sheep and goats). The questionnaires showed that 82% and 85% of the farmers had applied pasture rotation, and that 93.3% and 86.6% had used anthelmintics in the previous year for sheep and goats, respectively. Only 24.4% of sheep farmers and 11.3% of goat farmers had carried out parasitological tests prior to treatments. The most used classes of anthelmintics were macrocyclic lactones and benzimidazoles, and only in 21.6% and 15.6%, for sheep and goats, respectively, was drug rotation carried out. These results denote that helminths represent a health problem for small ruminants and highlight a lack of knowledge of parasite control strategies among farmers. In these conditions, anthelmintic resistance phenomena could develop over time. Therefore, it is necessary to implement all possible strategies for the control of helminths, and to prevent the spread of anthelmintic resistance phenomena on farms in southern Italy.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminant Farms in Southern Spain.

The primary population of small ruminants in Spain is concentrated in the southern region, a critical area for the country's livestock production. Indirect economic losses can occur when this livestock is affected by gastrointestinal parasites. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of these parasites in small ruminant herds (159 sheep and 39 goats) through coprological analyses and conducted a survey on farmers' management practices related to gastrointestinal parasite control. The survey results revealed some important aspects: monitoring through coprological analyses is not a common practice; veterinarians are not typically involved in deworming plans; anthelmintic treatment in adults is often applied twice a year in sheep and once a year in goats; and finally, drug rotation was higher in sheep farms. Coprological analyses showed Eimeria spp. as the most common parasitic infection, followed by Strongyles infection. Other parasites like Moniezia spp., Trichuris spp., and D. dendriticum were less important, although their prevalence was higher in sheep than goats. This constitutes the first report on the epidemiological status of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants in southern Spain. Based on the survey findings, the introduction of certain management measures on farms could potentially mitigate parasite infections.