Parasitic helminths of veterinary importance in cattle, sheep and goats on communal farms in the northeastern Free State, South Africa

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to record and determine intensities, seasonal incidence and distribution of helminth parasites of veterinary importance that occur in cattle, sheep and goats in the northeastern Free State. The study was conducted at Harrismith and Kestell and in Qwa-Qwa from March 2000 to May 2001. Cattle of various breeds (including Bonsmara, Simmentaler and Friesian), Merino sheep and Angora goats were sampled. Faecal samples were analysed using the McMaster and Visser sieve techniques for egg counts and faecal cultures for 3rd-stage nematode larvae identification. Haemonchus and Oesophagostomum were the dominant nematode genera found to be infecting the animals. The socioeconomic status of the farmers in the study area was determined through a questionnaire survey aimed at recording their management strategies. It indicated that 81 % of farmers take care of their livestock by feeding them with supplements. The low to moderate faecal egg counts from cattle showed that helminth infections in this region are still under control even though helminthosis seems to be a problem in small-stock, since EPG counts of more than >1000 were found. Cattle farmers in this region are encouraged to continue with good animal husbandry practices that have ensured that helminth infections rates are kept low. Small-stock farmers are, however, encouraged to control helminth infections in their sheep and goats by anthelmintic treatment

The effect of water sources, nutritional qualities and management systems on the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in ruminants in Benue State, Nigeria

“…The high rate of Haemonchusspp recorded in sheep, has been previously observed by N'Depo (2004) and Ibukun and Oludunsin, (2015). According to Tsotetsi and Mbati (2003) the high fecundity of Haemonchussp pensures that the larvae are ingested mostly by the sheep due to the ability of the sheep to brows very close to the soil.…”

In Vitro Studies on the Effect of Ethanol Extract of Syzygium Aromaticum on the Carbohydrate Metabolism of Cotylophoron Cotylophorum

“…Paramphistomosis is a major disease caused by amphistomes. The paramphistome Cotylophoron cotylophorum lives in the rumen and reticulum of sheep, goats, cattle and other domestic ruminants [2,3].…”

<i>In vitro </i>anthelmintic effects of <i>Artemisia afra</i> and <i>Mentha longifolia</i> against parasitic gastro-intestinal nematodes of livestock

“…They are the worst parasites for livestock production worldwide (Diehl et al, 2004). They totally depend on their host for nourishment, nutrition and protection (Tsotetsi and Mbati, 2003). Nematode infection is therefore of economic importance for it is a major cause of disease and results in decreased productivity.…”

“…However, anthelmintic drugs are expensive; it therefore takes a huge amount of money to combat helminth infections in livestock. Furthermore, there are specific stores where anthelmintic drugs are available, not every farmer particularly those in villages have access to them since they are mostly sold at the agriculture or veterinary services in bigger towns or cities (Eguale et al, 2011, Tsotetsi andMbati, 2003). Otherwise, repeated administration of anthelmintic drugs is required in treating the internal parasites (Kamaraj and Rahman, 2010;Ademola and Eloff, 2011).…”

“…All types of livestock are at risk to gastrointestinal nematode infection which varies in their host range, life cycle and severity. However, small stock is the most susceptible to gastrointestinal nematode infections (Tsotetsi and Mbati, 2003).…”