A survey of Haemonchus contortus parasite of sheep from Gharb plain, Morocco

Abstract

The study was designed to determine the prevalence of Haemonchus contortus, intestinal helminthes parasite of sheep in the Gharb plain (Morocco).A total of 1154 sheep were randomly selected from farms, pastures and abattoirs, the samples were examined using a flotation techniques for determination the eggs of Haemonchus contortus. In order to identify Haemonchus contortus among the different gastrointestinal strongyles present in mixed infections, a faecal culture was carried out for each farm and pasture. This study was carried between November 2016 and October 2017. The data were analysed with respect to sex, age, season and body condition of sheep examined. Out of (1154) samples examined, (23.92%) harbored H. contortus. Prevalence among female (30.98%) was higher than that of the males (15.63%), there was significant difference between prevalence of infection and sex (P < 0.05). Based on age group, prevalence of haemonchosis was 6.25% and 43.22% in young and aged animals respectively showing the statistical significance (P < 0.05). Seasonal variation was recorded throughout the year and was highest during spring (36.36%) and autumn (32.37%) against a low rate of 2.7% in the summer with significance difference (P < 0.05). Regarding the relationship between Haemonchosis contortus and body condition, maximum prevalence (80.83%) was recorded in animals with poor body condition, followed by those with moderate body condition (34.26%), while the lowest infestation rate (6.88%) is noted in animals with good body. Keywords: Prevalence, Haemonchus contortus, Sheep, Gharb plain, Morocco