Prevalence of the Haemonchus sp. parasite in Oregon Cattle

approved: ___________________________________________________ Claudia Häse Haemonchus sp. is known to be present in geographical regions of Oregon that are more arid and warm, which has been the preferred climate of this parasite. However, it was not detected in Western Oregon bovine until recently. Haemonchus sp. was first detected in Western Oregon bovine from a fecal sample submitted to the Oregon Veterinarian Diagnostic Lab on August 6, 2014. This study was aimed to determine whether there are significant numbers of cattle from Western Oregon affected with Haemonchus sp. as well to obtain a geological understanding of where the parasite is located throughout the state. It was found that Haemonchus sp. is no longer isolated to eastern arid and warm regions of Oregon. This parasitic worm is currently being detected in noteworthy numbers in many different areas around Oregon year round. The rising prevalence of Haemonchus sp. is a concern due to the economic losses that can result from Haemonchosis. One hundred bovine fecal samples from Oregon, with a focus on those from Western Oregon, were examined during the duration of this study; thirty-eight tested positive for Haemonchus sp., six tested negative, and fifty six did not contain a significant number of Trichostrongyle eggs to be tested.