Counteracting parasite problems with anthelmintic treatment is only a short-term solution. More information is needed about the various factors that influence parasite epidemiology and the employment of integrated strategies in order to minimize the impact of pharmacological treatment. This study aimed to analyze parasite burden in a flock of Zerasca sheep, taking into account individual, age, data and physiological status as variability factors. Mean faecal egg count (FEC) was 340±355.26 and packed cell value (PCV) was 29±3.65. FEC was not significantly influenced by the animals’ age alone. FEC and PCV appeared to be inversely correlated (r = -0.262; p£0.001). Results regarding monthly FEC correlations showed good repeatability in certain periods of the year: October displayed a significant correlation with the months from April to December, characterised by low infestation. Instead February was a strategic period for identifying the highest worm burden and, at the same time, appeared to be the best time to evaluate treatment opportunities.
Study of gastrointestinal parasite dynamics in zerasca sheep aimed at reducing anthelmintic treatment
BENVENUTI, MARIA NOVELLA;GIULIOTTI, LORELLA;
2005-01-01
Abstract
Counteracting parasite problems with anthelmintic treatment is only a short-term solution. More information is needed about the various factors that influence parasite epidemiology and the employment of integrated strategies in order to minimize the impact of pharmacological treatment. This study aimed to analyze parasite burden in a flock of Zerasca sheep, taking into account individual, age, data and physiological status as variability factors. Mean faecal egg count (FEC) was 340±355.26 and packed cell value (PCV) was 29±3.65. FEC was not significantly influenced by the animals’ age alone. FEC and PCV appeared to be inversely correlated (r = -0.262; p£0.001). Results regarding monthly FEC correlations showed good repeatability in certain periods of the year: October displayed a significant correlation with the months from April to December, characterised by low infestation. Instead February was a strategic period for identifying the highest worm burden and, at the same time, appeared to be the best time to evaluate treatment opportunities.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.