Prevalence of internal parasites in sheep/goats and effective economic de-worming plan at upland Balochistan, Pakistan

Abstract

Experiments were conducted on sheep and goats during 2006 to 2007 to investigate the prevalence, control and efficacy of anthelmintics against internal parasites at two sites (Loralai and Qila Saifullah) in Balochistan, Pakistan. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of 10 to 20% animals from each flock before the administration of anthelmintics. About 87 to 93% sheep/goats were infested with 10 types of internal parasites. These were Dictyocaulus, Moniezia benideni, Moniezia expensa, Fasciola hepatica, Strongyloides, Nematodirus, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia, Trichuris ovis and Bunostomum. The level of parasitic infestation was mostly between 500 to 2000 eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces. Prior to execution of experiment, more than 80% animals showed high parasitic infectivity (>1000 EPG). Drenching of different anthelmintics such as Nilzan, Ivermectin, Zodec, Bendex, Oxadec and Albensil in infested animals with different durations lowered the internal parasitic level (300 EPG) and also eliminated most of the internal parasites except Dictyocaulus. Albensil was found more effective and economical against internal parasites of sheep and goats. It is concluded that 3 to 4 months interval de-worming with suitable anthelmintics enhance the small ruminants’ productivity.

Keywords: Small ruminants, internal parasites, anthelmintics and economic parasitic control