Haemonchus-induced Anemia in Llamas (Lama glama) from Argentina

Received: Revised: Accepted: August 02, 2013 August 25, 2013 August 29, 2013 This report documents clinical manifestation of anemia associated with Haemonchus spp. in naturally infected llamas from Argentina. Infected animals presented conjunctival pallor, discolored coat, edema in the submandibular area, weakness, lack of exercise tolerance, sternal recumbence and emaciation. The range of hematocrit values was between 4 to 16% with marked erythrocyte pleomorphism. Haemonchus spp.were recovered from the C3 compartment during a necropsy performed on a weak and recumbent pregnant female llama that was euthanized. Stressful conditions derived from farming management, production stress, long-term treatment with suboptimal doses of anthelmintics drugs and climatic conditions were concomitant causes that favored the herd infestation.