Gastrointestinal nematode infections in German sheep

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Parasitology
• Animal Science
• Sheep Health

Background:

• Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infections are a significant concern in sheep farming.
• Understanding prevalence and risk factors is crucial for effective parasite management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and variation of GIN infections in German lambs.
• To analyze the influence of birth type, gender, and breed on GIN infection levels.

Main Methods:

• Individual fecal egg counts (FEC) were performed on 3,924 lambs (3-15 months old) across various German regions.
• Pooled fecal samples were cultured for nematode species differentiation.
• Data were analyzed for variations based on birth type, gender, and breed.

Main Results:

• 63% of lambs were infected with GIN, primarily with low to moderate burdens.
• Trichostrongylus spp. was the predominant nematode species.
• Multiple-born lambs (higher FEC, P<0.05) and male lambs (higher susceptibility, P<0.001) showed significantly higher infections.
• No significant differences in FEC were found between breeds (P>0.05).
• Prevalence varied significantly among farms (P<0.001).
• 11.4% of lambs were free of Eimeria oocysts; 13.2% had tapeworm eggs.

Conclusions:

• GIN infections are widespread in German lambs, with considerable farm-level variation.
• Birth type and gender are significant factors influencing GIN infection intensity.
• High inter-individual variation suggests potential for selecting parasite-resistant sheep within breeds.