Abstract

QUIJADA, Jessica et al. Prevalence of Digestive Strongyles Infections in an Aragua State Ovine Herd during Rainy Season. Rev. Cient. (Maracaibo) [online]. 2006, vol.16, n.4, pp.315-324. ISSN 0798-2259.

Ovine gastrointestinal parasitism is an important limiting factor in the exploitation of this specie and among of these infections, estrongilidosis are the most important. In order to determine the behaviour of digestive Strongyles infections within an ovine herd, monthly coprological exams were carried out, using Mc Master technique. A total of 70 ovines animals statistical sample, grouped by age. Group 1: 0 to 70 days age (n = 5); Group 2: 70 days to 12 months (n = 26); Grupo 3: ewes > 12 meses, gestantes, lactantes o vacías (n = 36); Grupo 4: rams (n = 3) were carried out during a six month period. Prevalence and eggs per gram of faeces were assessed along with faecal culture every month. Herd´s average prevalence was 43.64%. Parasitic burdens (EPG average or Abundance) were: group 1 = 1210.0 ± 69; group 2 = 378.6 ± 88; group 3 = 385.8 ± 64; group 4 = 155.6 ± 61; highest individual counts were seen in group 2. Third stage larvae (L₃) of Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. were identified from faecal cultures, H. contortus being the dominant specie during the whole period. Statistical differences were not found when comparing parasitic burdens between age groups. Climatic conditions recorded (precipitation, temperature, environmental relative humidity media) were between suitable range for development and survival of preparasitic strongyles stages throughout the whole period.

Keywords : Prevalence; strongyles; ovine; rainy season.