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A survey including 25 sheep farms in Bakrajo District, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, was conducted to determine anthelmintic resistance (AR) against albendazole, ivermectin, and levamisole. Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) was used to accomplish this goal. Forty 6–24 month-old sheep of mixed sexes were selected from each farm and randomly divided into four groups. One group served as the untreated control, and the other groups orally administered the recommended doses of the tested drugs. Multidrug resistance against all three drugs was present in 8 of 25 farms (32%). Also, resistance to albendazole and ivermectin was detected on one farm. Albendazole was the most effective anthelmintic agent. Resistance to ivermectin was significantly higher than levamisole and albendazole. Larval cultures revealed that Trichostrongylus spp., Nematodirus spp., and Trichuris spp. were the prevalent gastrointestinal nematodes in the study area. The nematode genera were also detected in the posttreatment larval cultures. It is concluded that AR to albendazole, ivermectin, and levamisole is widespread in sheep in Bakrajo District, north Iraq. This resistance is mainly caused by the emergence of resistant Trichostrongylus and Nematodirus spp.

Background and Aim: Camels from the central part of Iraq are infected with multiple parasitic diseases that have an economic impact by decreasing meat and milk production. This study aimed to evaluate Nematodirus spp. in camels (Camelus dromedarius). Materials and Methods: The study animals consisted of camels slaughtered in the central area of Iraq at the Al-Najaf slaughterhouse. All ages and sexes of camels were examined. Worms were recovered and identified microscopically. For molecular characterization, two Iraqi Nematodirus spp. partial ribosomal genes (ITS1 and ITS2) were sequenced and submitted to the NCBI database. Results: Of 160 camels tested, 29 were infected with Nematodirus spp. (18.13%). Twenty-one nematodes containing the Nematodirus genes were identified in the small intestines of naturally infected camels. BLAST analysis revealed 88.1% sequence similarity with that of Nematodirus helvetianus isolated in China and 87.2% similarity with N. helvetianus isolated in the United States. Conclusion: The prevalence of N. helvetianus warrants the use of anti-helminthic drugs for these animals and a rationale for future control strategies to prevent the transmission of this infection to other livestock.

Bison (Bison spp) are being reintroduced into semi-wild, spatially constrained herds across North America and Europe. Herd managers are concerned about gastrointestinal (GI) nematode parasites as they care for the health of their bison. We examine how demographics, grazing location, herd management, and anthelmintic treatments affect the fecal egg counts (FECs) of GI nematodes within a reintroduced Plains bison (Bison bison bison) herd in the Great Plains. Our results suggest that younger bison ( 6 yrs of age). FECs of both Trichuris spp. and particularly Nematodirus spp. were much more abundant, relatively, during the first year of a bison's life. This pattern was also true of Moniezia spp. and Eimeria spp., however, strongyle-type spp. FECs appeared to peak in relative abundance during the second year of life. Our data also indicate that FECs are influenced by differences in land-use histories of pastures previously grazed by cattle or by the proportion of frequent flooding in different pastures. Treatment results suggest that fenbendazole may more effective than moxidectin at lowering FECs of bison over the long-term, and lasting effects of at least one administered anthelmintic treatment. Multiplex PCR assays revealed that American bison share GI nematodes with cattle including: Ostertagia spp., Haemonchus placei, Cooperia onchophora, and Oesophagostomum spp, but did not detect the presence Trichostrongylus columbriformis. Our results may have wider conservation implications for reintroduction efforts of American bison, as well as the endangered European bison (Bison bonasus)., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Younger plains bison (

Strongyloidiases are caused by nematodes of the suborder Strongylida and are the most widely prevalent group of gastrointestinal helminthiases of sheep in many regions of the world. Among gastrointestinal strongylids, the helminths of the genus Nematodirus are represented by the largest number of species and highest infection rates in sheep. Nematodirosis causes significant economic losses in the sheep industry through decreased sheep productivity, delayed growth and development of young animals, and a reduced resistance to other diseases. Timely and accurate diagnosis of nematodirosis and identification of the pathogen will effectively prevent the disease and help to carry out treatment and prevention measures. Therefore, the aim of the work was to study the definitive morphometric characters of mature males and females of Nematodirus spathiger Railliet, 1896, obtained from the small intestine of domestic sheep. The results of experimental studies showed that nematodes of this species morphologically are characterized by a thin filiform body, a vesicle at the head end and a chitinous tooth in a short oral capsule. The differential morphological features of male nematodes of N. spathiger include specifics of the structure of spicules, their distal end and the shape and location of the rays of the caudal bursa; in females, those are the features of the structure of the vulva and tail end. In identification of male nematodes of N. spathiger, it is proposed to use 40 metric parameters, of which 11 characterize the overall size of the body, esophagus and vesicles, 24 refer to the size of the tail bursa, 5 to the size of the spicules and the enveloping membrane. To help identify the females of N. spathiger, 25 parameters are chosen, of which 14 also characterize the overall size of the body, esophagus and head vesicle, 6 refer to the size of the cuticular formations of the vulva and its location, and 5 to the size of the tail end, the location of the anus and the size of the tail spike.

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections in goats in Sironko District. Randomly selected livestock farmers (28) were interviewed. Two hundred twenty (220) faecal and blood samples were analysed using laboratory techniques. The overall prevalence of GIP was 74.5 percent. Nematodes were the most prevalent (61.8%). The level of GIP infections were; Eimeria (37.7%), Haemonchus contortus (36.4%), Trichostrongylus (43.6%), Strongyloides (14.6%), Strongyle (12.7%), Nematodirus (0.9%), Moneizia (14.55%) and Fasciola (11.82%). Further analysis showed high (48.6%) anaemia in adult goats. The most significant risk factors were location of farm (p=0.001), production system (p=0.045) and frequency of deworming (p=0.023). It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of GIP linked with heavy infection in the area. Therefore, it is imperative to promote agricultural adaptation strategies that will strengthen thefarmers’ resilience.

RESUMO Trichostrongylid em ovelhas foi estudado no Distrito Zhob, Balochistan. Foram coletados 120 tratos gastrointestinais (GIT) de ovelhas do matadouro do distrito. Estas amostras foram processadas para isolamento e identificação de nematódeos tricostrônquicos no Laboratório do Hospital Veterinário do Distrito Zhob. A taxa de prevalência geral foi de 39,1% em machos e 60,8% em fêmeas (p=0,001). A taxa de prevalência em duas raças viz Balochi e Rakhshani foi de 58,3% e 41,6%, respectivamente (p=0,01). A prevalência da espécie observada com Trichostrongylus foi 19,1%, Haemonchus foi 20,8%, Cooperia foi 29,1% e Nematodirus foi 30,8% (p=0,087). Quanto a quantidade de espécies infestadas pelas ovelhas, um único tipo de parasita estava em 32,5% de animais, dois tipos de espécies parasitárias em 36,3% dos animais e três tipos de espécies parasitárias em 30,8% dos animais (p=0,366).

The purpose of the research is studying mixed zoonosis of sheep intestines and helminth biodiversity in the altitudinal zonation of Dagestan. Materials and methods. We used materials in our work that were collected in 1985-2018 from sheep (young animals up to 1 year old, 1 to 2 years old, and 3 years old and older) by seasons of the year. 5,000 fecal samples were tested and 180 intestinal dissections were performed. We used the method of complete helminthological dissection of animals and humans per Skrjabin, the method of sequential washing of feces according to Berman-Orlov, the method of cultivation of gastrointestinal Strongylata larvae in a thermostat, and the method of their differentiation according to Shumakovich by shape, number and location of intestinal cells. Results and discussion. In terms of species, representatives of the genera Nematodirus Ransom, 1907, 7 species, Trichostrongylus Loss, 1905, 5 species, Ostertagia Ransom, 1907, 6 species, and Cooperia Ransom, 1907, 4 species prevail in the plain and sub-mountain belts of Dagestan. At the population level, the species Nematodirus, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus are more often recorded. H. contortus (Rudolphi, 1803), N. spathiger (Railliet, 1896), N. filicollis (Rudolphi, 1802), T. axei (Cobb., 1879), T. capricola (Ransom, 1907), T. colubriformis (Giles, 1829), Cooperia oncophora (Ranson, 1907), C. punctata (Linstov, 1906), Bunostomum trigonocephalum (Railliet, 1902), and Chabertia ovina (Fabricius, 1788) were observed in the mountain belt.

Parasitic gastroenteritis (PGE) infecting sheep in acute or chronic forms causes severe economic losses. Infections by adult worms can be easily diagnosed and controlled, but infection by migrating and inhibited larvae are difficult to diagnose. Detection of anti-parasite antibodies in sera of infected animals needs special Ag for each species and presence of antibodies in sera does not reflect the actual infection. This study evaluated diagnostic efficacy of two pooled Copro Ag(s) prepared from feces of PGE infected sheep with larval5 species (Haemonchus spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Nematodirus spp., Cooperia spp. & Ostertagia spp.) in sheep. Diagnostic values of pooled Ag(s) were compared with two separate worm Ag(s) (Haemonchus spp. & Trichostrongylus spp.) using indirect and antigen capture ELISA. The results showed high sensitivity for pooled Copro and larval Ag(s) than individual parasitic Ag(s) in detecting Ab(s) in infected animals. Copro Ag showed high sensitivity (87.69%) than larval Ag (75.38%). For Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus Ag was 44.62% & 32.31% respectively. Pooled larval antigen showed high specificity (86.66%) than Copro Ag (78.33%), without cross reaction with non-infected controls. In migrating and inhibited larvae, pooled Ag showed 80% sensitivity in detecting PGE circulating antigen in animals without eggs in feces compared to 30% sensitivity using pooled Copro antigen by sandwich ELISA. Positive animals shed eggs in feces during follow up prior to parturition. Diagnosis of inhibited larvae circulatingAg(s) using pooled larval antigen was promising method in expecting time of autoinfection of sheep due to activation of arrested larvae within the bodies. This facilitated their therapeutic treatment at a critical time before the sudden re-appearance of infection.

Benzimidazoles (BZ) have been the anthelmintic of choice for controlling Nematodirus battus infections since their release in the 1950s. Despite heavy reliance on this single anthelmintic drug class, resistance was not identified in this nematode until 2010 (Mitchell et al., 2011). The study aimed to explore the prevalence of BZ-resistance mutations in N. battus from UK sheep flocks using deep amplicon sequencing and pyrosequencing platforms. Based on evidence from other gastrointestinal nematodes, resistance in N. battus is likely to be conferred by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the β-tubulin isotype 1 locus at codons 167, 198 and 200. Pyrosequencing and deep amplicon sequencing assays were designed to identify the F167Y (TTC to TAC), E198A (GAA to GCA) and F200Y (TTC to TAC) SNPs. Nematodirus battus populations from 253 independent farms were analysed by pyrosequencing; 174 farm populations were included in deep amplicon sequencing and 170 were analysed using both technologies. F200Y was the most prevalent SNP identified throughout the UK, in 12–27% of the populations tested depending on assay, at a low overall individual frequency of 2.2 ± 0.6% (mean ± SEM, based on pyrosequencing results). Four out of the five populations with high frequencies (>20%) of the F200Y mutation were located in NW England. The F167Y SNP was identified, for the first time in this species, in four of the populations tested at a low frequency (1.2% ± 0.01), indicating the early emergence of the mutation. E198A or E198L were not identified in any of the isolates. Results obtained were comparable between both techniques for F200Y (Lins’ CCC, rc = 0.96) with discrepancies being limited to populations with low frequencies. The recent emergence of resistance in this species will provide a unique opportunity to study the early stages of anthelmintic resistance within a natural setting and track its progress in the future., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Early emergence of benzimidazole (BZ) resistance in Nematodirus battus. • F200Y mutation most prevalent SNP identified. • First identification of F167Y mutation associated with BZ resistance in Nematodirus. • Good agreement between deep amplicon sequencing and pyrosequencing platforms.

The control of gastrointestinal nematodes among ruminants maintained in zoological parks remains difficult due to infective stages develop in the soil. For the purpose to improve the possibilities of the control of gastrointestinal nematodes (genera Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Chabertia and Haemonchus) affecting wild captive bovidae ruminants belonging to the subfamilies Antilopinae, Caprinae, Bovinae and Reduncinae, commercial pelleted feed enriched with a blend of 104–105 spores of both filamentous fungi Mucor circinelloides + Duddingtonia flagrans per kg meal was provided for a period of 3.5 years. All animals were dewormed at the beginning of the trial and also when exceeding a cut-off point of 300 eggs per gram of feces (EPG). The anthelmintic efficacy ranged between 96 and 100%. The need for repeating the administration of parasiticide treatment disappeared at the 24th month of study in the Antilopinae individuals, and at the 8th month in the Caprinae, Bovinae and Reduncinae. No side-effects were observed on the skin or in the digestive, respiratory or reproductive system. It was concluded that this strategy provides a sustainable tool for preventing the contamination of paddocks where captive ruminants are maintained, decreasing the risk of infection by gastrointestinal nematodes and consequently the need of frequent deworming.

The purpose of the research is studying the effect of mechanochemical technology on anthelmintic efficacy of supramolecular complexes of fenbendazole with licorice extract. Materials and methods. Tests of the supramolecular complexes of fenbendazole (SMCF) with licorice extract (LE) were carried out on 127 heads of young sheep spontaneously infected by Nematodirus sp. and other types of gastrointestinal strongylates. For each helminthosis, animals of different groups of 8–11 animals each were given single oral administration of SMCF with LE in a dose of 2.0 mg/kg in AD in the form of 10 and 17 % powders and 2.4 and 4.5% suspensions in comparison with the basic drug – fenbendazole (FBZ) in a dose of 2.0 mg/kg. SMCF with LE was developed according to mechanochemical technology for 2 hours. The baseline was a group of sheep that did not receive the drug. The anthelmintic efficacy of the preparations was taken into account according to the results of coproovoscopic studies of sheep by flotation before and 16 days after the preparations were used. Accounting for the effectiveness of drugs was carried out according to the "control test" type. Results and discussion. SMСF with LE in a dose of 2.0 mg/kg by AD in the form of 10 and 17% powders and 2.4 and 4.5% suspensions showed respectively 89.2; 83.12; 82.09 and 83.59% effectiveness against Nematodirus spp. and 88.73; 67.3; 83.87 and 86.38% activity against other types of Strongylata when receiving 22.7 and 21.9% effect of the base drug – FBZ.

Introduction Common parasites of the European bison include gastro-intestinal and pulmonary nematodes, liver flukes (Fasciola hepatica), tapeworms, and protozoa of the genus Coccidia. This study compared the extensiveness and intensities of European bison parasitic invasions in three north-eastern Polish forests in different seasons and queried the role of parasitological monitoring in sanitary and hygienic control of feeding places. Material and Methods Faecal samples were collected in the Białowieża, Knyszyńska, and Borecka Forests between 2014 and 2016, as were some from an area neighbouring the Białowieża Forest outside the Natura 2000 protected area. Parasites were detected in individual samples with the flotation, decanting and Baermann methods. Results The eggs of Trichostrongylidae, Aonchotheca sp., Nematodirus sp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris sp., Moniezia spp., and Fasciola hepatica; the larvae of Dictyocaulus viviparus; and the oocytes of Eimeria spp. were identified. Significant variation in invasion intensity and diversity was seen by origin and season. The relationships were assessed first by univariable tests and next multivariately, when origin and season emerged as the major risk factors for exposure to most of the parasites. Conclusion The differences in the level of parasitic infection between the forests did not have implications for its sufficiency to cause clinical symptoms. However, the associations and risk factors found enable the necessary preventive measures to be taken to protect the E. bison from exposure or decrease the risks. Additionally, parasitological monitoring is appropriate as the method of sanitary and hygienic control of European bison winter feeding places. Threats to public health through adventitious invasions by zoonotic factors such as F. hepatica have been identified.

An epidemiological study of gastrointestinal nematodes was carried out in naturally infected goats in the North West of Algeria. Coprological analyses were performed for 2 years from January 2014 to December 2015.Examination of 1591 goat samples revealed an overall prevalence of parasite eggs in feces of 96%; the values were very similar in both years at 97% in 2014 and 94.96% in 2015. Five types of nematode eggs were identified: strongyle (95.5%), Nematodirus spp. (19.4%), Marshallagia spp. (3.9%), Trichuris spp. (0.6%), and Skrjabinema spp. (2%).Also, fecal cultures showed the presence of Teladorsagia spp. (56%), Trichostrongylus spp. (20%), Chabertia spp. (10%), Haemonchus spp. (9%), and Oesophagostomum spp. (5%). Season, age, type of grazing, and area affected the epidemiology of gastrointestinal nematodes of goats. The season did not influence the prevalence observed in the 2 years, since no significant differences between the four seasons were observed. On the other hand, egg production was highest in winter and spring. The level of infection decreased with the animal’s age. There were no significant differences between the prevalence in animals on irrigated and non-irrigated pastures, but there were differences in egg excretion. Additionally, no significant difference was observed between the coastal (Oran) and lowland (Mascara) regions in the prevalence or in average egg excretion.

Introduction The Orobic goat is a hardy breed native to the Orobic Alps (Lombardy, northern Italy). The aim of the study was the assessment of gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) egg excretion in Alpine and Saanen (cosmopolite breeds) and Orobic grazing goats, after a strategic treatment with eprinomectin in late June. Material and Methods Individual faecal samples from a mixed flock of cosmopolite and Orobic goats were collected and analysed by the FLOTAC double technique every three weeks from June to September. Results Strongylida was the primary GIN infection observed in goats that grazed on Alpine pastures; a strategic treatment with eprinomectin led to a prolonged reduction of egg excretion during the whole study period. Egg excretion was also influenced by breed. Pluriparous Orobic does were able to control reinfection better than the pluriparous cosmopolite does. Regarding Nematodirus sp. eggs per gram of faeces (EPG), the autochthonous Orobic breed presented higher values than the cosmopolite breeds. However, cosmopolite goats presented higher EPG values of Strongyloides papillosus than their Orobic counterparts in August. Conclusions Further studies on genetic features of local autochthonous goats, such as the Orobic breed, are needed, since they could reveal peculiar characteristics of susceptibility, resistance or resilience to GIN infection, providing genetic resources for selection.

In an effort to generate data for regulatory purposes on the therapeutic efficacy of eprinomectin 5% w/v extended-release injection (Eprinomectin ERI) (LongRange®, Boehringer Ingelheim) against infections of immature and adult stages of some nematode species (or stages) which are generally less common or predominantly seen in younger cattle, nine studies (minimum two per parasite and stage) were conducted in the USA and Germany. A total of 218 young cattle were included in seven experimentally induced infection studies (180 animals) and two studies with naturally acquired nematode infections (38 animals), which were compliant with WAAVP and VICH guidelines. In each study, cattle were randomly assigned into groups which received 1 mL per 50 kg body weight of either saline (controls) or Eprinomectin ERI (equivalent to 1 mg eprinomectin per kg body weight) via subcutaneous injection when the parasites were developing fourth-stage larval (L4) or adult nematodes. Following necropsy and parasite recovery, percentage efficacy was calculated based on the comparison of geometric mean nematode counts of the Eprinomectin ERI- vs. the saline-treated animals. Eprinomectin ERI-treated cattle had significantly (p 0.05) lower counts of each species and stage of nematodes than the controls. Eprinomectin ERI treatment was demonstrated to be efficacious ( 90%) against L4 and adult Bunostomum phlebotomum and Nematodirus helvetianus; against L4 Haemonchus placei, Oesophagostomum radiatum, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis; and against adult H. contortus. Percentage efficacy against L4 H. contortus was variable (69.6 to 100%). All treatments were well accepted, and no treatment-related health problems were observed in any study.

BACKGROUND Farm management practices have a major impact on nematode population dynamics. The presented study aimed to understand current nematode management practices on UK sheep farms; with a particular focus on Nematodirus battus because of the changing epidemiology, and emerging anthelmintic resistance observed in this species. METHODS A 42 question online survey covering grazing management, farm demographics and parasite control strategies was developed and distributed to the farming community in 2016. Analysis of the 187 completed questionnaires explored regional variations in practices. RESULTS Uptake of recommendations was variable, particularly quarantine practices and monitoring tools. Results also highlighted variation in the epidemiology of N. battus; respondents in the north (Scotland, north-west and north-east England) typically reported N. battus in spring with a perception of more severe clinical symptoms than those from the south (Midlands, Wales, south-east and south-west England; p = 0.03). Farms in the south observed greater changes in the timing of disease (p = 0.006) with N. battus being reported throughout the year on some holdings and more frequent use of faecal egg count monitoring (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Control of N. battus infection is challenging and 'one-size-fits-all' advice is not applicable; however, the information gathered will enable the development of effective, adaptable control strategies.

Due to the growing importance of endoparasitoses in Austrian lambs this study evaluated the prevalence of gastrointestinal strongylids (GIS) in 221 lambs at slaughter, focusing on the prevalence of Haemonchus contortus. The study also assessed associations between clinical signs, adult infestation of the abomasa and faecal excretion of strongylid eggs. From faecal examinations, 65.6% of lambs were positive for strongylids. Larval cultures were obtained from samples with high-grade infestations (N = 65). The most common genera of larvae detected were Haemonchus (78.9%), followed by Chabertia (65.8%), Bunostomum (65.8%), Nematodirus (57.9%), Strongyloides (31.6%), Trichostrongylus spp. (28.9%) and Teladorsagia (28.9%). Cooperia was not detected. H. contortus was present macroscopically in 32 abomasa (N = 221). However, there was no correlation between macroscopic alterations of the abomasa, clinical symptoms and total parasite prevalence. The highest prevalence of H. contortus occurred in the autumn. It remains questionable as to what extent it is possible to conclude from clinical findings alone the degree of worm infestation.

Este estudio recopila los registros de especies endoparasitarias en guanacos (Lama guanicoe) de Argentina. Se hizo una revisión bibliográfica de los trabajos científicos publicados entre 1967 y 2017. Además, se incorporaron nuevos registros inéditos de localidades dentro de la provincia de San Juan. La fauna de endoparásitos estuvo representada por los phylum Nematoda, Platyhelminthes y Aplicomplexa, con un total de 65 registros totales, mencionando 26 especies y otras 14 que sólo fueron identificadas a nivel de género. Los nematodos fueron los más numerosos, seguido por el Aplicomplexa y en menor medida el pylum Platyhelminthes. Este trabajo menciona por primera vez la presencia de nematodos como Nematodirus sp, Trichuris sp, las coccidias E. macusaniensis, E. ivitaensis y Eimeria sp en guanacos silvestres de la provincia de San Juan. Hubo pocos registros en ambientes con poblaciones pequeñas de guanacos de la ecorregión Puna. This study compiles records of endoparasites species in guanacos (Lama guanicoe) from Argentina. A bibliographic review of scientific works published between 1967 and 2017 was conducted. In addition, new unpublished records of localities within the province of San Juan were incorporated. The endoparasite fauna was represented by the phylum Nematoda, Platyhelminthes and Aplicomplexa, with a total of 65 total entries, 26 species mentioned and 14 others that were only identified at the genus level. The nematodes were the most numerous, followed by the Aplicomplexa and to a lesser extent the pylum Platyhelminthes. This work mentions for the first time the presence of nematodes such as Nematodirus sp, Trichuris sp, coccidia E. macusaniensis, E. ivitaensis and Eimeria sp in wild guanacos from the province of San Juan. There were few records in the environment with small populations of guanacos from the Puna ecoregion. Fil: González Rivas, Cynthia Jesica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera; Argentina Fil: Borghi, Carlos Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - San Juan. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera. Universidad Nacional de San Juan. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Físicas y Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones de la Geosfera y Biosfera; Argentina Fil: De Lamo, Daniel Alfedro. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales. Sede Puerto Madryn; Argentina

With the spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR), endoparasite monitoring consolidates its role for a more sustainable targeting of treatments. A survey on endoparasites in dairy goat farms of north-eastern Italy was conducted to test a monitoring approach based on a farm-tailored sample size. Farm management and parasites control practices were investigated in 20 farms through a questionnaire survey. Further, fecal samples were collected (November 2018–September 2019) from 264 animals from 13 farms and were analyzed individually with a modified McMaster method and subsequently pooled to perform a coproculture. Coccidia (78.4%), gastrointestinal strongyles (37.9%), Strongyloides (28.4%), Skrjabinema (18.9%), Trichuris (8.0%) and Nematodirus/Marshallagia (0.4%) were identified. Abundances were higher for coccidia and gastrointestinal strongyles. Haemonchus (71%) was the dominant gastrointestinal nematode. Pasture and age class resulted in the main risk factors at the multivariable analysis through a negative binomial regression model. Results from farm monitoring indicate that our approach can be a cost-effective decision tool to target treatments more effectively, but farmers need to be educated about the importance of parasitological testing, which is currently scarcely implemented, against the risk of AR.

Gastrointestinal parasitism is a global problem for grazing ruminants which can be addressed in a sustainable way through breeding animals to be more resistant to disease. This study estimates the genetic parameters of common and new disease phenotypes associated with natural nematode and coccidian infection in Scottish Blackface sheep to underpin future genetic improvement strategies for parasite control. Data on faecal egg counts (FEC) from different species of strongyle parasites and faecal oocyst counts (FOC) from coccidian parasites were collected on 3-month-old lambs together with a faecal soiling score in the breech area dagginess (DAG) and live weight (LWT). Faecal count data were obtained for Strongyles (FECS), Nematodirus (FECN) and Coccidia (FOC). Data from 3 731 lambs sampled between 2011 and 2017 were included. Faecal egg counts and DAG records were log-transformed prior to analysis. Data were analysed using linear mixed models. Average age at sampling was 92 days with a mean LWT of 24.5 kg. Faecal soiling was not evident in 69% of lambs. Coccidia were the most prevalent parasite (99.5%), while Strongyles and Nematodirus had a prevalence of 95.4% and 72.7%, respectively. Heritability estimates (± SE) were 0.16 ± 0.03, 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03, 0.09 ± 0.03 and 0.33 ± 0.04 for FECS, FECN, FOC, DAG and LWT, respectively. Strongyles faecal egg count had a strong and positive genetic correlation with FECN (0.74 ± 0.09) and a moderate positive correlation with FOC (0.39 ± 0.15) while DAG was negatively genetically correlated with LWT (− 0.33 ± 0.15). The significant positive genetic correlations between FECS, FECN and FOC at 3 months of age show that co-selection of sheep for resistance to these different parasites is feasible. Selection for increased resistance to parasite infection is not expected to adversely affect live BW, as no significant antagonistic genetic correlations were found between LWT and FEC. There were significant antagonistic phenotypic and genetic relationships between DAG and LWT being − 0.19 ± 0.02 and − 0.33 ± 0.15, respectively, indicating that the expression of the manifestation of disease in lambs may be a more meaningful indicator of the impact of parasite burden on productivity.

Seasonality is a ubiquitous feature of wildlife disease ecology, but is determined by a complex interplay of environmental, parasitological and host factors. Gastrointestinal parasites often exhibit strong seasonal dynamics in wild vertebrate populations due to, for example, environmental influences on free-living or vectored life stages, and variation in the physiological and immune status of hosts across their annual cycle. At the same time, wild populations are typically infected with multiple parasites. The seasonal dynamics of co-infecting parasites may differ depending on age and reproductive status, and associations among parasites may be driven by short-term within-individual changes or longer-term interactions that are consistent among hosts. Here, we used faecal samples and egg counts collected repeatedly from individually marked and monitored wild Soay sheep that were part of a long-term study to investigate seasonal dynamics of six gastrointestinal parasite groups (strongyle nematodes, coccidian protozoa, Capillaria, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, and Moniezia). Prevalence and abundance generally tended to be higher spring and summer, and burdens were higher in lambs than adults. Within the highly prevalent strongyle nematode group, we found differences in seasonality of egg counts depending on adult reproductive status. Reproductive ewes had increased counts in spring around the time of birth followed by a drop in abundance in summer, while barren ewes showed little evidence of seasonality. Males showed a sustained rise in egg counts through spring and summer, and sex differences were only strongly apparent in summer. In contrast, in similarly prevalent coccidia we found a peak in faecal oocyst counts in spring but no differences in seasonality among males, barren and pregnant ewes. Using multivariate mixed-effects models, we went on to show that both strongyle and coccidia counts are moderately repeatable across seasons among individuals. We further show that apparent positive correlation between strongyle and coccidia counts was driven by short-term within-individual changes in both parasite burdens rather than long-term among-individual covariation. Overall, our results demonstrate that seasonality varies across demographic and parasite groups and highlight the value of investigating fluctuating susceptibility and exposure over time for understanding epidemiology of a population.

The presence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in sheep is a low productivity cause. This study aimed to determine the in vitro efficiency of aqueous extracts of Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala, Guazuma ulmifolia, and Bursera simaruba at three different doses (0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 mL), inhibiting the egg hatching of GIN from sheep. The efficiency of inhibition in egg hatching (IEH), larval identification, and its genera proportion were evaluated. Analysis of data was performed using Chi-square tests and Analysis of variance. The four extracts obtained an IEH of 50%, being similar (p > 0.05) between them. The 1.25 mL dose and its combinations of Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium at 1.25 mL dose obtained the highest efficiency (68.0, 85.0, and 77.0%, respectively). Five genera of larva were identified (Haemonchus spp, Trichostrongylus spp, Oesophagostomum spp, Cooperia spp, and Nematodirus spp). The highest prevalence (p ≤ 0.05) was obtained by Haemonchus spp (58.0%). According to the results, the four aqueous extracts exhibited ovicidal activity. However, the 1.25 mL dose and the Leucaena leucocephala, Gliricidia sepium extracts at 1.25 mL doses were the most effective.

The present study aims to evaluate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep of Biskra region according to age classes and to detect eventual zoonotic parasites. It included 372 sheep, females and males. 248 fecal sheep samples were coprologically examined and coprocultured, 119 being from adult sheep (≥ 12 months) and 129 from lambs (< 12 months). Also, 124 adult sheep were necropsied after the slaughter, focusing on the livers, lungs and intestines. The qualitative flotation technique was used by employing the McMaster microscope slides. All the statistics was done by using the SPSS 20. Prevalences were calculated according to age classes and parasites genera. Kendall test (p < 0.05) was applied to detect any correlation between total prevalence and parasite genera prevalences in adults versus lambs. The results showed that medium prevalence for five years in adults (63.02 %) was higher than in lambs (57.36 %). Coproscopy showed: coccidia, gastrointestinal strongyles, Nematodirus spp, Moniezia spp and Marshallagia spp. Coproculture showed Protostrongylus spp. and Dictyocaulus spp. Necropsy revealed Fasciola hepatica, Echinococcus polymorphus, Thysaniezia ovilla, Moniezia expansa, Cysticercus tenuicolis, Cysticercus ovis and Paramphistomum daubenyi. The diversity and simultaneousness of gastrointestinal parasites could have a negative impact on production parameters in infected sheep. The risks of contracting echinococcosis as a major zoonosis requires more respect of deworming programs in dogs and sheep and better vigilance in slaughterhouses.

Gastrointestinal parasites impose severe constraints on sheep production worldwide. lnformation on prevalence of helminthosis in the ovine species could provide a useful guide towards effective control. Investigated in this study was helminthosis prevalence in some Nigerian sheep. The sheep included initial 64 yearlings (12 each of Balami, BL, and Uda, UD, and 20 each of Yankasa, YK and West African Dwarf, WAD, in a sex ratio of 1:1 per breed) and their 156 offspring. Faecal samples were collected from the sheep six-weekly over a period of 3 years and examined for the presence of various helminth species using the modified McMaster technique. Total helminths, Strongyles, Strongyloides, Moniezia, Trichuris and Nematodirus prevalence were 95.9, 87.3, 38.2, 60.6, 45.0 and 46.4%, respectively. Based on prevalence, breeds and seasons ranked (p < 0.05) thus: YK = WAD > BL > UD and late rainy> early rainy> late dry > early dry. Females and older sheep (≥ 4months) had higher (p < 0.05) prevalence than males and lambs (< 4months), respectively. Prevalence increased with decreased body condition score (BCS). Year, birth type and parity did not influence prevalence. It is concluded that there is high prevalence of helminthosis in the study area, with variation between breeds, sex, age groups and seasons. These variations could be exploited through selective breeding and cross breeding to control the disease with or without minimal use of anthelminthics. Les parasites gastro-intestinaux imposent de sévères contraintes à la production ovine dans le monde. Les informations sur la prévalence de l'helminthose chez les ovins pourraient fournir un guide utile pour une lutte efficace. La prévalence de l'helminthose chez certains moutons nigérians a été étudiée dans cette étude. Les moutons comprenaient au départ 64 yearlings (12 chacun de Balami, BL et Uda, UD, et 20 chacun de Yankasa, YK et West AfricanDwarf, WAD, dans un rapport de masculinité de 1 : 1 par race) et leurs 156 descendants. Des échantillons de matières fécales ont été prélevés sur les moutons six fois par semaine sur une période de 3 ans et examinés pour la présence de diverses espèces d'helminthes en utilisant la technique modifiée de McMaster. La prévalence totale des helminthes, Strongyles, Strongyloides, Moniezia, Trichuriset Nematodirus était de 95.9, 87.3, 38.2, 60.6, 45.0 et 46.4%, respectivement. Sur la base de la prévalence, des races et des saisons classées (p BL> UD et pluvieux tardif> pluvieux bdafur70@gmail.com 13 précoce> sec tardif> sec tôt. Les femelles et les moutons plus âgés (≥ 4 mois) avaient une prévalence plus élevée (p

Background Nematodirus battus, unlike most other gastrointestinal nematodes, undergoes maturation to an infective larva within the egg. Historically, eggs were considered to require a period of chilling over winter followed by a period of temperature above 10 °C for synchronous hatching to occur (generally in spring). Anecdotal reports of Nematodirus infection out-with spring in veterinary journals and the farming press suggest that the concentrated pasture abundance of N. battus infective larvae may be changing. In order for control practices to be adapted, and unexpected disease outbreaks to be avoided, it is important to quantify how parasite epidemiology is changing and research the drivers behind it. Method The present study investigated the in vitro hatching response to temperature experiences (with and without a period of chilling) for egg samples of 90 N. battus populations obtained from 73 commercial sheep farms. Six aliquots of larvated eggs were prepared per population, three aliquots were placed at 4 °C for 6 weeks to provide a chill stimulus then incubated at the optimal hatching temperature for the species. The remaining three aliquots of eggs were incubated at the hatching temperature without a prior chill stimulus and the number of hatched larvae was compared between treatments. Results Median hatch rate across all populations with chilling was 45% (95% CI: 42–48%) and without chilling was 4% (95% CI: 2–6%). Inter-population variation in hatching ranged from 0 to 87% of eggs able to hatch in the absence of a chill stimulus, mean non-chill hatching was 13 ± 2% of eggs (mean ± SE). Non-chill hatching rates were greater than chilled hatching rates in seven of the 90 populations tested. Conclusions Clearly, the variation in hatching responses to temperature experience is very large and therefore the seasonality of the parasite may vary not only between regions but also at farm level. In contrast to what previous work has suggested, there was a geographical trend towards higher non-chill hatching in the Northern parts of the UK.

Background The ability of infective larvae of cattle gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) species to overwinter on pastures in northerly climatic zones with very cold dry winters is poorly understood. This is an important knowledge gap with critical implications for parasite risk assessment and control. Methods Infective third-stage larvae (L3) were quantified in samples of fecal pats, together with adjacent grass and soil, before and after winter on three farms in southern, central and northern Alberta. Nemabiome ITS2 metabarcoding was then performed on the harvested L3 populations to determine the species composition. Finally, parasite-free tracer calves were used to investigate if the L3 surviving the winter could infect calves and develop to adult worms in spring. Results Farm level monitoring, using solar powered weather stations, revealed that ground temperatures were consistently higher, and less variable, than the air temperatures; minimum winter air and ground temperatures were − 32.5 °C and − 24.7 °C respectively. In spite of the extremely low minimum temperatures reached, L3 were recovered from fecal pats and grass before and after winter with only a 38% and 61% overall reduction over the winter, respectively. Nemabiome ITS2 metabarcoding assay revealed that the proportion of L3 surviving the winter was high for both Cooperia oncophora and Ostertagia ostertagi although survival of the former species was statistically significantly higher than the latter. Nematodirus helvetinaus and Trichostrongylus axei could be detected after winter whereas Haemonchus placei L3 could not overwinter at all. Adult C. oncophora, O. ostertagi and N. helvetianus could be recovered from tracer calves grazing after the winter. Conclusions The largest proportion of L3 were recovered from fecal pats suggesting this is important refuge for L3 survival. Results also show that L3 of several GIN parasite species can survive relatively efficiently on pastures even in the extreme winter conditions in western Canada. Tracer calf experiments confirmed that overwintered L3 of both C. oncophora and O. ostertagi were capable of establishing a patent infection in the following spring. These results have important implications for the epidemiology, risk of production impact and the design of effective control strategies. The work also illustrates the value of applying ITS2 nemabiome metabarcoding to environmental samples.

Introduction Gastrointestinal parasites are some of the most common pathogens which are seriously harmful to the camel’s health. The infection status of gastrointestinal parasites in camels (Camelus bactrianus) in the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China is still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the species and infection intensity of gastrointestinal tract parasites in local camels. Material and Methods A total of 362 fresh faecal samples were collected and examined for parasite eggs using the saturated saline floating and natural sedimentation method. The parasite eggs were subjected to morphological and molecular examination and identification, and the infection rate and mean intensity of the parasites were analysed. Results A total of 15 gastrointestinal tract parasite species’ eggs were identified, with a detection rate of 100%. Ostertagia spp. (100%) and Trichostrongylus spp. (98.1%) were dominant. Camels were often coinfected by 5–14 species. The average number of eggs per gram of faeces was higher for Ostertagia spp. (298), Haemonchus contortus (176) and Nematodirus spp. (138). The number of species of parasites infecting young camels was significantly lower than that of adult camels, but the infection intensity in young camels was significantly higher. Conclusion Gastrointestinal parasites were highly prevalent in camels from the Tianshan Mountains pastoral area in China. This finding provides important epidemiological data for the prevention and control of associated infections in camels.

Sheep and goats, being hardy and prolific in their growth, play a crucial role in cultural and socioeconomic life of rural poor under privileged people in Afro-Asian countries by providing meat, milk, wool and hide to them. Gastrointestinal helminthic infections are worldwide problem in ruminants. They results considerable loss in them causing mortality and poor production. Various helminthes types like trematodes, cestodes and nematodes are prevalent in different climates and geographical regions depending on rearing systems, intermediate host's availability and management practices. Epidemiology of helminthic diseases, though variable at times, is determined by various factors like treatment, climate and poverty (socio-economic and traditional practices). The study oversees gastrointestinal helminthic challenges in goats and sheep faced in Afro-Asian region in last decade. Methodology involves exhaustive exercise of screening and massive literature hunt which included published research, bot. abstracts and full length papers on the subject in last 10 years in addition to authors own observations. The diseases like Fasciolosis, Dicrocoelosis, Amphistomosis in trematodes, Monieziosis, Avitellinosis in cestodes and Haemonchosis, Trichostronglylosis, Oesophagostomosis, Trichuriosis, Strongyloidosis in nematodes were still serious challenges in the region threatening the small ruminant production. Frequent reports on Marshallgia, Ostertagia, Nematodirus, Stilesia, Thysaniezia spp. from this region showed emerging threats. Infections like Camelostrongylus, Graphidiops, Parabronema and Skrjabinema spp. were scarcely distributed. The paper reviews scientific work and developments of last 10 years on occurrence, distribution and epidemiology of common gastrointestinal helminthic infections of sheep and goats in Afro-Asian region with future research prospective in light of newer scientific approaches.

Objective The aim of the current study was to determine the presence and prevalence of Eimeria and helminth species in sheep raised in Erzurum province by using fecal examination. Methods Faecal samples were collected from a total of 784 sheep raised in Aziziye, Yakutiye and Palandoken districts between February-March 2019. The samples were examined by Fulleborn’s flotation, Benedect sedimentation, and Baermann-Wetzel methods. Results Eimeria spp. and helminths were found in 49.36% (387/784) and 74.11% (581/784) of the samples, respectively. Identified Eimeria species were as follows: E. parva (59.68%), E. ovina (51.67%), E. faurei (47.80%), E. ahsata (39.27%), E. granulosa (36.62%), E. punctata (28.42%), E. pallida (26.09%), E. ovinoidalis (18.34%), E. crandallis (16.79%), E. intricata (15.76%), E. weybridgensis (11.36%) and E. marsica (6.20%). Helminth species identified at genus/species level were Dicrocoelium spp. (33.91%), Fasciola spp. (5.68%), Paramphistomum spp. (2.58%), Moniezia spp. (5.85%), Trichostrongylid type egg (49.05%), Marshallagia spp. (38.73%), Nematodirus spp. (20.98%), Trichuris spp. (14.46%), Protostrongylus spp. (18.42%), Dictyocaulus filaria (2.41%) and Muellerius capillaris (1.38%). Conclusion Parasitic diseases cause important economic losses in livestock industry. In following years, it is aimed to plan prevention and control strategies for the parasites detected in this area in line with the data of this study and to share this data with the animal breeders.

Helminth and protozoan infections are responsible for important diseases in grazing sheep, which can be especially threatening in an autochthonous breed at risk of extinction like the Churra Galega Mirandesa Portuguese sheep breed. The aim of the present study was to determine the diversity, prevalence and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in these sheep and to assess the effects of deworming practices, cohabiting animals on the farm and feed management. Coprological qualitative and quantitative analysis (flotation, natural sedimentation and McMaster method) were used to identify and quantify gastrointestinal parasites and a questionnaire was designed and applied. A total of 512 faecal samples were collected from 49 flocks, and 49 replies to the questionnaire were received. Parasites were identified in 100% of the flocks, and in 97% of the samples. The genera or species that have been morphologically identified were: strongyle-type, Nematodirus spp., Skrjabinema spp., Moniezia expansa, Moniezia benedeni, Trichuris spp., Capillaria spp., Eimeria spp., Dicrocoelium spp. and Fasciola hepatica. This is the first report in Portugal of Skrjabinema spp. The burden of parasites’ oocysts and eggs per gram in faecal samples ranged, respectively, from 50 to 17,550 for Eimeria spp., and from 50 to 6250 for strongyle-type eggs. Factors affecting parasitic infections were evaluated using a multivariate logistic regression. Grazing time and a lack of anthelmintic treatment were positively associated with Nematodirus spp. infection. This study showed that there is a high prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in the Churra Galega Mirandesa sheep breed.

The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasite infections and associated risk factors was studied in traditionally reared East African short-horned zebu cattle in Lira District, Uganda. Fecal samples were collected from 205 cattle and coprologically examined for the presence of helminth parasites using the simple salt flotation method complemented with the sedimentation method. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GITPs) in cattle in Adekokwok, Lira District, was 32.2%. Of these, 12 (18.18%) were cases of mixed infections mainly of Amphistomes and other GITPs. Paramphistomum was the most prevalent parasite contributing up to 45.5% of infections, followed by Fasciola, Toxocara, strongyles, Trichuris, and Nematodirus, in descending order of abundance. GITP infections were not influenced by the sex of cattle, while infection with Toxocara was associated with cattle age. The mean body condition score (BCS) for all animals studied was 2.37 ± 0.07. A low BCS was associated with gastrointestinal helminth infections. Nevertheless, other factors such as nutritional stress are likely to augment the effects of parasites in the traditional agro-pastoral system particularly in the dry season and should therefore be considered when using the cattle body condition as an indicator of parasitism.

This study investigates the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in ruminants in Ismailia, Port-said and Damietta cities, during a period from October 2016 to September 2017. A total of 130 fecal samples were collected from sporadic cases and 60 abomasal samples and 36 small intestinal samples were collected from slaughtered animals in abattoirs to detect the adult nematode parasites. The results indicated that sheep was infected with 5 species of nematodes 3 in abomasum and 2 types in small intestine. The prevalence of the infection were 26.15%, 30% and 11.11% in faecal , abomasal. and small intestine samples respectively. The highest prevalence of the nematodes was in young animals (71.42% in ovine sp., 14.28% in bovine sp. and 0.0% in caprine sp). Higher prevalence was in male sheep 60% than ewe 30%. Damietta was the highest in prevalence (47.6%) then in Ismailia (29.16%) and 0.0% in Port-said. The most prevalent species of nematodes in abomasum was Haemonchus contortus (26.67%), Ostertagia sp. (10%) and Trichostrongylus axei (3.33%). In small intestine, were Cooperia sp. (11.11%) and Nematodirus sp.(5.56%). Faecal egg count reduction test was carried out on Ivomec super & Albendazole to demonstrate the efficacy of anthelmintics, and proved the Ivomec was more potent than Albendazole in treatment of GINs.