PREVALENCE OF HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS IN NATURALLY INFECTED SMALL RUMINANTS GRAZING IN THE POTOHAR AREA OF PAKISTAN

Department of Zoology, University of Arid Agriculture, Murree Road, Rawalpindi; ¹Small Ruminants Research Programme, Animal Sciences Institute, National Agriculture Research Centre, Park Road, Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

     The present study was carried out to investigate the prevalence and seasonal trend of the Haemonchus contortus in sheep and goats in the Potohar areas of northern Punjab, Pakistan from December 2004 to January 2006. Faecal samples collected from 968 sheep and 961 goats of different breeds were examined by the modified McMaster technique using saturated solution of sodium chloride. Results revealed that the infection was significantly (P<0.05) higher in sheep compared to goats. The peak infection level was recorded during rainy season (July-October). On the other hand, low infection level was noted from December upto May. In sheep, highest log faecal egg counts (LFECs) were recorded in Islamabad, followed by Attock, Jhelum and Chakwal. However, in goats the LFECs trend was highest in Islamabad, followed by Jhelum, Attock and Chakwal districts. A significant (P<0.05) variability in LFECs was noted between sheep and goat breeds from site-site, while no significant difference was observed between breeds at the same site. Hairy (Jattal) goats and Salt-Range (Latti) sheep breeds exhibited significantly reduced LFECs level along with higher packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb) levels compared to other breeds. Moreover, FAMACHA^© chart scoring in relation with worm infection (FECs) was more valid in sheep than goats. High prevalence of H. contortus in Potohar areas was due to favourable agro-climatic conditions that favour the development and survival of the free-living stages of H. contortus. The findings are discussed with regard to their relevance for strategic control of haemonchosis in small ruminants. 

Key words: Haemonchus contortus, prevalence, agro-climatic conditions, sheep, goats, Potohar area.