Introduce and usage of FAMACHA test for treatment management and selection of resistant animal to gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep

Authors

1 1Department of Animal Science, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 2Department of Pathobiology, Veterinary College, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal nematodes causing digestive problems, anemia and weight loss in sheep and goat. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to introduce FAMACHA test and usage of it for early detection of infected animals with gastrointestinal nematodes (especially Haemonchus contortus) to reducing of treated sheep population with anthelmintic drug and selection of resistant animals. METHODS: In this study 120 Ghezel sheep breed lambs were used in age of 4 to 6 months. The lambs were chosen randomly from 6 different grazing flocks with 20 lambs in each of them. Sampling and FAMACHA test scoring was carried out in 2014. Blood samples was collected for calculating of packed cell volume percent and fecal sampling was collected for counting of egg per each grams of fecal and body weight was investigate. The sampling was carried out 2 times with a week apart. RESULTS: Results showed that the effects of FAMACHA, flocks and interaction between them on parasite eggs per gram of fecal was significant (p<0.01) and also the effect of FAMACHA on the percentage of packed cells volume was significant (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It seems that the FAMACHA test scoring could be used as a synergetic and alternative method to early diagnosis of infestation to blood sucking nematodes and prevention of new cases of drug resistant and selection of resistant animals in Iran.

Key words: FAMACHA test, Haemonchus contorts parasite, Haemonchosis, sheep

Keywords


 
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