Abomasal nematodes of small ruminants of Ogaden region, eastern Ethiopia : prevalence, worm burden and species composition

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence, species composition and worm burden of abomasal nematodes of small ruminants of Ogaden region slaughtered at Elfora export abattoir. A total of 196 abomasums of animals (114 sheep and 82 goats) were examined according to standard procedures. An overall prevalence rate of 91.2% and 82.9% Haemonchus species was recorded in sheep and goats, respectively. Likewise, an overall prevalence of 37.7% and 40.2% Trichostrongylus axei was recorded in sheep and goats, respectively. Statistically significant (p < 0.05) difference in prevalence and average worm burden was noted between months of study for both abomasal nematodes. Majority of sheep and goats harboring adult abomasal nematodes were with light to moderate degree of infection whereas only small proportions were with heavy degree of infection. Adult male Haemonchus worms collected from sheep were identified as 95.1% H. contortus , 3.4% H. placei and 1.2% H. longistipes . Similarly, male Haemonchus recovered from goats were identified as 96.5% H. contortus , 3.0% H. placei and 0.5% H. longistipes . The study revealed the coexistence and sypmatry of communities of two or three Haemonchus species in a single small ruminant host, suggesting occurrence of Haemonchus species circulation among heterologous hosts sharing the same pastures that should be considered in the control strategy of the parasite.