Feasibility of homeopathy in a flock of Zerasca sheep

The control of parasitic diseases is one of the most important goals in animal health and welfare as far as environment safeguards and quality of products. Unfortunately, parasitic infections are often treated by means of chemical products, resulting in anthelmintic resistance, ecotoxicological effects and deleterious consequences on animal health. These facts underline the needs for thorough parasite monitoring and the application of integrated parasite control practices. Among these, homeopathy could play a strategic role in combating health problems; however, at present there is a lack of scientific results that might indicate validated techniques to be used on a large-scale. The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of homeopathy in the control of parasite burden in farm animals. The study was carried out on Zerasca breed, an Italian local sheep breed, whose farming system permits the stability and sustainability of land resources in a mountainous area in northern Tuscany. The study lasted 12 months. A homeopathic examination was performed at the beginning of the study and all useful information was collected in order to assess the farm’s situation and identify the proper remedy to administer. The study involved 30 ewes randomly divided in two groups (control =C and homeopathic = H). Sabadilla MK was administered twice, one after the first sampling and the other before the last one. Individual fecal and blood samples were regularly collected. Gastrointestinal strongyles fecal egg count (FEC) was performed using a modified McMaster technique. Blood count was estimated by cell counter (HeCo SEAC). Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA. Data referring to parasites were logarithmically transformed [y = log(FEC + 25)] to normalize error. Correlations between FEC and hematocrit (HCT) were estimated by Pearson’s correlations. FEC resulted influenced by the date of sampling confirming a fluctuation linked with the season especially in spring. Homeopathy did not influence parasite burden in the whole, but a significant decrease (P0.05) in egg output was observed corresponding with the first administration of the remedy. In March 2007, matching with the ‘spring rise’. we could notice a lower level of FEC in H group. Data referring blood parameters did not display differences between the two groups. FEC and HCT showed an inverse correlation (r =0.235) even if mean values of HCT were included in the normal range (28.13.5%). The study pointed out the advantages of a parasites monitoring and of an effective health programme limiting the use of chemical treatments with no detrimental effects on animal health.