scholarly journals Status of Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections and Associated Epidemiological Factors in Sheep From Córdoba, Colombia

Author(s):  
Elisa Brunal Tachack ◽  
Teresa Oviedo-Socarrás ◽  
Misael Oviedo Pastrana ◽  
Luis Carlos Pérez-Cogollo ◽  
Yonairo Herrera Benavides ◽  
...  

Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes cause serious economic losses in sheep production systems. To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with these parasites, a study was conducted in 595 sheep in Córdoba, Colombia. Prevalence and parasite burden were determined using the McMaster technique. Larvae were cultured from feces to identify the nematode genera. For the analysis of associated factors and parasite burden, means, medians and confidence intervals were compared. A geo-referenced data analysis was performed and an epidemiological map was constructed. An overall prevalence of 88.2% was found, with the highest prevalence and parasite burden for Strongylida (83.2%) and Strongyloides (41%) nematodes. The mean parasite burden was 1255 eggs per gram. The gastrointestinal nematode genera identified were Trichostrongylus, Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum and Cooperia. In general, a significant association was found between parasite burden and dewormed animals, anthelmintic used, date of last deworming and breeds. The FAMACHA® method and body condition showed a significant association with Strongylida parasite burden. Clusters with higher intensity of gastrointestinal nematode burden and high prevalence were observed in the regions of Bajo Sinú, Sinú Medio and San Jorge.

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Krawczyk ◽  
E. Słota

AbstractNematode parasites are the major animal health constraint in sheep production on pasture and cause serious economic losses. Because of failure of anthelmintic drenches, a major research effort has been underway to examine alternatives to chemical control. One of them is selecting sheep which are genetically resistant to parasitic nematodes. However, this last is not widely practiced because of the difficulty of measuring parasite resistance which mostly relies on indirect criteria such as number of nematode eggs passed in the sheep faeces (FEC) packed cell volume (PCV) or enhanced number of eosinophils in peripheral blood. Despite the well known host immune reaction it has been impossible to standardize any immunological parameter and use it as an indicator of parasitic infection. The aim of finding some genetic markers associated with resistance/susceptibility to nematodes is to make diagnostic work easier and conduct an earlier selection of desirable genotypes. However, searching for reliable genetic markers is rather difficult due to different sheep’s manifestation of resistance to either the adult or larval stages of the same parasite species and against the same parasitic stage and various manifestations of the immune responses and antigens against parasites. This review summarizes findings reported in the literature relating to genetic markers to gastrointestinal nematodes resistance in sheep.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurício Orlando Wilmsen ◽  
Bruna Fernanda Silva ◽  
César Cristiano Bassetto ◽  
Alessandro Francisco Talamini do Amarante

Gastrointestinal nematode infections were evaluated in sheep raised in Botucatu, state of São Paulo, Brazil between April 2008 and March 2011. Every month, two tracer lambs grazing with a flock of sheep were exposed to natural infection with gastrointestinal nematodes for 28 consecutive days. At the end of this period, the lambs were sacrificed for worm counts. Haemonchus contortus presented 100% of prevalence. The seasons exerted no significant influence on the mean intensity of H. contortus, which ranged from 315 worms in November 2010 to 2,5205 worms in January 2011. The prevalence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis was also 100%, with the lowest mean intensity (15 worms) recorded in February 2011 and the highest (9,760 worms) in October 2009. In the case of T. colubriformis, a significant correlation coefficient was found between worm counts vs. rainfall (r = −0.32; P <0.05). Three other nematodes species were found in tracer lambs, albeit in small numbers. Their prevalence and mean intensity (in parenthesis) were as follows: Oesophagostomum columbianum 28% (25.2), Cooperia curticei 7% (4.5) and Trichuris spp. 2% (1). In conclusion, the environmental conditions of the area proved to be highly favorable for the year-round transmission of H. contortus and T. colubriformis.


2020 ◽  
Vol 98 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 73-73
Author(s):  
Joan M Burke ◽  
James E Miller ◽  
Mohan Acharya ◽  
Erin Wood

Abstract Due to high prevalence of anthelmintic resistance (AR), complementary approaches to anthelmintic use to control gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in sheep are necessary. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) are effective against Haemonchus contortus but not other GIN, and FAMACHA aids to minimize further development of AR. The objective was to determine the efficacy of COWP alone or in combination with levamisole, albendazole, or a 3-way combination to control GIN known to have AR to these anthelmintics. Naturally infected Katahdin lambs were selectively dewormed based on FAMACHA© and/or packed cell volume (PCV). If FAMACHA© scores were 3, 4, or 5, lambs received 1 g COWP alone (n = 120), COWP and levamisole (n = 47) or albendazole (n = 6), or a 3-way combination (n = 10), respectively. Untreated lambs were included (CON; n = 31). Feces and blood were collected on days 0 (day of deworming) and 14 for determination of fecal egg counts (FEC) and FEC reduction (FECRED) and PCV. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model. The mean FECRED was greater for the combination of levamisole and COWP than COWP alone (P &lt; 0.001). In a mixed GIN population, COWP in combination with levamisole increased the efficacy of FECRED of H. contortus and other GIN genera present, offering greater GIN management in the presence of resistance to these anthelmintics.


Agriculture ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 132
Author(s):  
Kathia Gillandt ◽  
Jenny Stracke ◽  
Tatiana Hohnholz ◽  
Ralf Waßmuth ◽  
Nicole Kemper

Endoparasites are one of the major health issues in beef suckler cows and can cause economic losses. As studies on the parasitological status of beef suckler cow herds are rare, the aim of this study was to evaluate the status quo of the parasite burden in herds at four representative locations in Germany. Additionally, the farmers’ pasture management and deworming strategies were documented. Based on these data, the second aim of the study was to develop recommendations for improved deworming and pasture hygiene management. A total of 708 faecal samples were examined with parasitological routine methods. Results revealed Fasciola hepatica, gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), Eimeria species (spp.), Moniezia spp. and Dictyocaulus viviparus as the most frequent findings. Clinical signs of parasitic diseases were not found during the farm visits. Statistical analyses showed a significant effect of the age status of the animal on the parasitological status in general. Due to the percentage of occurrence, detailed statistical analysis was performed for Eimeria, GIN and Fasciola hepatica, confirming the effect of age status. Assessing the parasitological status of beef suckler cows as routine procedure could help to establish an improved parasite-control management on a farm-individual basis.


2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (7) ◽  
pp. 1085-1092
Author(s):  
E. K. Kathambi ◽  
J. A. VanLeeuwen ◽  
G. K. Gitau ◽  
C. Kamunde

Background and Aim: The welfare of animals kept in livestock production systems has raised concerns around the world. Adult dairy cattle require adequate rest and spend approximately 12 h/day lying down. This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the stall factors and management practices affecting cows' lying time, stall cleanliness, and cows' cleanliness (udder and upper leg), in smallholder dairy cows in Meru County of Kenya. Materials and Methods: A total of 106 milking cows from 73 farms were assessed for daily lying time and cleanliness. Data loggers were used to record the lying time of cows for 3 days. Stall, udder, and upper leg cleanliness were assessed using a 5-score system: 1 (very clean) to 5 (very dirty). Management information was acquired using a questionnaire that was administered face-to-face to the farmers in their native Kimeru language. Univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were fit to determine factors associated with cows' lying time and dichotomized stall and cows' own cleanliness, respectively. Results: The mean daily lying time was 10.9±2.2 h, and the mean stall cleanliness score was 2.4±1.0. The mean average cleanliness scores of the udder and upper legs were 1.9±0.7 and 2.5±1.1, respectively. Overall, 35% of the stalls were categorized as dirty (>2.5), whereas 13% and 47% of the cows had udder and leg cleanliness scores >2.5, respectively. From the final multivariable models (p<0.05), daily lying time increased by 1.0 h for cows older than 5.25 years versus younger cows. Conversely, lying time decreased by 1.0 h with stall cleanliness scores >2.5 and by 1.6 h with poorly positioned neck rails. In an interaction term, addition of new bedding at least once a day without removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the daily lying time of the cows by 1.5 h, whereas failure to add new bedding at least once a day but removing stall manure at least once a day decreased the lying time of the cows by 1.2 h. Farm-level risk factors for stall dirtiness (>2.5) included delayed cleaning of the alley (odds ratio [OR]=6.6, p=0.032), lack of bedding (OR=4.9, p=0.008), and standing idle and/or backward in the stall (OR=10.5, p=0.002). Stalls categorized as dirty (OR=2.9, p=0.041) and lack of bedding (OR=2.7, p=0.065) were cow- and farm-level risk factors for dirtiness of the udder (>2.5), respectively, whereas the stall being dirty (OR=2.3, p=0.043) was the only risk factor (cow level) for dirtiness of the upper legs (>2.5). Conclusion: It was recommended that farmers should pay attention to the specific factors identified regarding the stall design (e.g., neck rail position) and bedding/manure management that impact the cleanliness of cows and their lying time.


2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_3) ◽  
pp. 217-218
Author(s):  
Collin Hayes ◽  
Elizabeth Benavides ◽  
Malorie Diamond ◽  
Trixie L Wetmore ◽  
Ken Mix

Abstract Anthelmintics are a widely utilized treatment option for gastrointestinal nematodes infecting ruminants. Recently, these parasites have exhibited increasing resistance towards these drugs. Haemonchus controtus, a gastrointestinal nematode commonly found in small ruminants, has developed resistance towards multiple classes of anthelmintics, leading to huge economic losses worldwide. There are few novel drugs currently being developed, but certain plant-derived products have demonstrated anthelmintic properties when administered in various forms to ruminants. By utilizing these plant products, producers have the opportunity to decrease the rate of development of anthelmintic resistance, and prevent eggs from hatching when excreted by infected livestock. Therefore, it is hypothesized that specific plant-derived products will act as ovicidal agents in H. contortus eggs. The objective of this study was to determine the ovicidal activity of allicin (from Allium sativum) and pumpkin seed oil (PSO). H. contortus eggs were extracted from a pooled fecal sample of Boer and Spanish goats naturally infected with H. contortus. The eggs were then exposed to allicin or PSO at different concentrations. Experiments were replicated four times per concentration. To determine ovicidal activity, samples were observed for unhatched eggs and hatched worms for 24 hours. The 1:100 allicin dilution treatment tended (P = 0.053) to inhibit hatching more than the control. Furthermore, any worms that hatched in allicin treatments exhibited limited signs of motility. Pumpkin seed oil does not appear to possess the same ovicidal potency as allicin, but may still have potential as a larvicidal agent. Based on the current results, allicin is a potential ovicidal agent that may be used independently or incorporated with current treatment methods for H. contortus control.


2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 753-762 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Washington MENDONÇA-LIMA ◽  
◽  
Roberto Borges dos SANTOS ◽  
Luciano Cezar SANTOS ◽  
Farouk ZACHARIAS ◽  
...  

SUMMARY The present study assessed the in vivo anthelmintic activity of the C. mollis leaf decoction extract when administered orally to naturally infected goats with gastrointestinal nematodes. To this, animals were randomized into three groups:non-treated, control (treated with doramectin 1mL/50 kg b.w.) and C. mollis extract treated groups (2.5mg/kg b.w.). Blood and faecal samples were collected from each animal at day 0, and 30th day posttreatment to monitor immunological and parasitological parameters. A significant faecal egg reduction (61.1%) and an increase in IgA and eosinophils levels were observed in the C. mollis extract treated group, in comparison to the untreated and doramectin groups. Considering that gastrointestinal nematode infections in small ruminants are serious problems in the world, causing economic losses worldwide, associated to high anthelmintic cost, resistance to available anthelmintics and residue problems in meat and milk for human consumption, the plant extract use is an area of interest to search new anthelmintic agents. Thus, Cratyliamollis Mart. Ex Benth, an important medicinal plant from Brazilian Northeast semiarid region, is used to treat different types of diseases, and as forage supplementation. Therefore, the data indicated the potential anthelmintic activity of C. mollis extract; further research is thereby warranted to assess its value for therapeutic purposes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. e000332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Lambertz ◽  
Ioanna Poulopoulou ◽  
Kunlayaphat Wuthijaree ◽  
Matthias Gauly

Anthelmintic resistance (AR) in sheep raised under mountain farming conditions in South Tyrol (Northern Italy) was assessed on eight farms (n=99 animals). A faecal egg count reduction (FECR) test was done after routine anthelmintic treatments. Furthermore, on 27 farms (n=306 animals), a FECR test was conducted after oral formulations of a macrocyclic lactone (ML), benzimidazole (BZ) (partly in combination with salicylanilide (SA)) or a combination of imidazothiazole and SA were applied under controlled conditions on the same farm. Following routine treatments, three of five ML-treated flocks showed an adequate efficacy, while the other two reached a FECR of only around 75 per cent. A wide range of gastrointestinal nematode genera were identified in one flock following the treatment. From the three BZ-treated flocks, only one showed an adequate FECR, both other farms reached 68 per cent and 84 per cent, respectively. Under controlled conditions, FECR ranged between 77 per cent and 81 per cent indicating AR for all the applied anthelmintics. Trichostrongylus species, Teladorsagia species and Haemonchus species were identified after ML treatment, Teladorsagia species after BZ treatment and Trichostrongylus species and Haemonchus species after combined BZ and SA application. Taking into consideration that underdosing might have affected results of the routine treatments, a high prevalence of AR was found in sheep under mountain farming conditions.


Parasite ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
María Martínez-Valladares ◽  
Elías Martín-Ramos ◽  
Myriam Esteban-Ballesteros ◽  
Rafael Balaña-Fouce ◽  
Francisco Antonio Rojo-Vázquez

The effects of gastrointestinal nematode infections and anthelmintic treatment on milk yields was compared between flocks with a low level (LL) of eggs per gram (epg) before partum and with a high level (HL). Faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRTs) were carried out before partum comparing a treated group with netobimin with an untreated group. Ewes belonging to LL flocks produced 55.4% more milk than ewes from HL flocks. A negative correlation was found between the mean epg before treatment and the mean milk yield per flock (r = −0.860; p < 0.01). However, treated ewes produced 10.1% more milk than untreated ewes in LL flocks, although in HL flocks, treated ewes produced less milk (−2.7%). The treatment of flocks even with low levels of infection can improve the milk yields. In this study, the epg before partum had a greater influence on total milk yield than the anthelmintic treatment.


2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 712
Author(s):  
Marina Piza ◽  
Fabiana Alves de Almeida ◽  
Cristiano Magalhães Pariz ◽  
Ciniro Costa ◽  
Alessandro Francisco Talamini do Amarante

The economic losses caused by gastrointestinal nematodes are one of the biggest obstacles in the small ruminants production. Understanding the population dynamics of the infective larvae (L3) in the pasture is the key point to develop control programs, and reliable results depend on the used methodology to quantify L3 numbers. The use of the sampling directly from the pasture appears as a viable option, since it is not required the use of animals with an esophageal fistula or tracer animals, decreasing the costs involved in the study. Therefore, the present project, which had as objective evaluate the efficiency of two collection methods for quantification of L3 in the pasture, utilized 64 lambs (n = 16) allocated to four integrated crop-livestock systems (treatments) with 12 paddocks each. Pasture samples were collected every nine days. The W method consists in traversing the area in the form of a W and again an inverted W, forage samples being collected every 10 steps, and the Square method, in tossing a 0.16 m2 square to four random points within the area, the forage within the square being collected after each toss. After the forage samples had been processed, the L3 were recovered and identified. Cohen’s Kappa coefficient (k) was determined. The W-transect and Random-plot methods did not differ (p ? 0.05) with respect to the number of L3 recovered from the pasture, and a positive correlation was found between them, suggesting agreement with one another, being that when the number of L3 recovered by the W-transect method increases, the same occurs in the Random-plot technique. The Random-plot method, which is already used to collect samples of forage for chemical analyses, can also be employed to estimate the pasture contamination by L3. The W-transect and Random-plot methods showed to be important in the epidemiological study of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Therefore, the use of both on the same occasions and with different purposes, with one complementing the information that is not provided by the other, may be more effective in the investigation of environmental contamination by L3 of gastrointestinal nematodes.


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