Diversity, prevalence, and intensity of gastrointestinal helminth infections in migratory, resident, and sedentary plains zebras (Equus quagga) in Masai Mara National Reserve and Lake Nakuru National Park, Kenya.

The diversity, prevalence and intensity of parasitic infections are influenced by factors such as movement patterns and land area available to the host. Zebras are known to harbour various genera of gastrointestinal helminths and facilitate parasite movement across large geographic areas through migration. Despite the harmful effects of helminths and their consequences on host population dynamics, little is known regarding helminth infection patterns in migratory, resident, and sedentary zebras. This study compared the diversity, prevalence, and intensity of helminth infections in zebras with different host movement patterns and space availability. Faecal samples were collected from migratory, resident, and sedentary groups of zebras between 2014 and 2015 and screened for helminth infection. They were infected by diverse groups of helminths including nematodes, trematodes and cestodes with the most prevalent being strongyle type nematodes. No significant difference in the diversity and prevalence was observed between the "three groups". Larvae were also recovered and identified species, cyathostomes, Strongylus edentatus, S.vulgaris, S. equinus, and Trichostronglus in order of abundance. The intensity of infection with the strongyle type nematodes, was highest in the migratory, then sedentary and lowest in resident zebras. It is plausible that the migratory zebras have higher energy demands and poor nutrition, resulting in reduced immune function hence high nematode burdens. Similarly, the sedentary population had high nematode burdens possibly due to high pasture contamination and depressed immunity due to the artificially restricted movement. The latter observation is particularly important in the design and size of sanctuaries in relation to parasitism.

Seroprevalence of Cysticercus cellulosae and associated risk factors in free-range pigs in Kenya.

Porcine cysticercosis is an emerging zoonosis with public health and economic importance. A cross-sectional study was undertaken to investigate the disease in free-range pigs on 182 smallholder farms in Busia District, Kenya. The survey households were selected using a snowballing technique. Serum samples were obtained from 284 pigs of all ages at farm level and 37 pigs from slaughter slabs in the study area. The samples were analysed for the presence of cysticercus antigen using an antigen enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A structured questionnaire was administered to determine the risk factors for porcine cysticercosis on the study farms. At pig level, the total number of pigs testing positive were 11, resulting in a seroprevalence of 4% (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-6.2%), while the farms with a positive pig were 9% (95% CI: 3.9-14.1%). All pigs examined in the slaughter slab survey were seronegative. The distribution of possible risk factors for porcine cysticercosis that were observed at farm level was as follows: free-range pig keeping (100%), history of human taeniosis infection in a family (51%), slaughtering of pigs at home (20%), lack of meat inspection (15%) and absence of latrines (15%). The only significant (χ2 = 4.4, P = 0.034, odds ratio (OR) = 3.8) risk factor associated with the occurrence of cysticercosis was lack of latrines at household level. The study shows that porcine cysticercosis is prevalent in free-range pigs in Busia District, Kenya and thus control measures need to be instituted.

The effects of anthelmintic treatments against gastrointestinal nematodes on the performance of breeding ewes and lambs on pasture in semi-arid Kenya.

The effects of anthelmintics treatments in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes in breeding ewes in a semi-arid area of Kenya were determined. The study carried out during two breeding seasons, between June 2000 and December 2001 where albendazole was administered to groups of ewes, 2 weeks before mating, 3 weeks to lambing and mid lactation indicated significantly lower nematode egg counts in treated than untreated groups of ewes. In the first breeding season, reduced rainfall resulted in pasture scarcity and weight loss in both groups of ewes through out the gestation period, but losses were higher for the untreated group. In the second season, both groups of ewes showed a steady increase in weight gain during the gestation period and post-partum, but weight gains were higher in the treated group. In lambs, weight gains at 6 weeks were higher for treated ewes than control groups, in both breeding seasons. The results of this trial indicate that anthelmintic treatments in breeding ewes in the study area are beneficial in reducing gastrointestinal nematode infections and improving performance of the ewes and their lambs. In addition to the treatments, breeding ewes should be given feed supplementation particularly during periods of pasture scarcity.

Control of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats on pastures in South Africa using nematophagous fungi Duddingtonia flagrans and selective anthelmintic treatments.

The effectiveness of selective anthelmintic treatments and use of nematophagous fungi Duddingtonia flagrans in reducing levels of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats was investigated at Onderstepoort, South Africa. Nineteen (19) naturally infected indigenous male goats, aged 10 months, were separated into four groups and grazed in separate previously ungrazed paddocks for two worm seasons (February 2002-March 2003). Two groups of goats were fed D. flagrans chlamydospores daily and two groups did not receive fungi. The FAMACHA system was used to determine which goats required anthelmintic treatments. Twice as many goats in the no-fungi fed group required treatments as compared with the fungi fed group. Mean FAMACHA scores in the no-fungi fed group were higher during most of the sampling occasions compared to the group fed fungi, but the difference was not significant. The group-mean faecal egg counts and PCV% were comparable between the two treatment groups throughout the study. Haemonchus was the predominant parasite genus in composite group faecal cultures. Group-mean body weights and body condition scores were higher for the no-fungi fed group from May 2002 up to the end of the study, though statistical differences were not significant. Mean worm burdens indicated that the most abundant species infecting animals were Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus spp. and were higher in the fungi fed group. More animals required individual anthelmintic treatments in the no-fungi fed group. The requirement for extra treatments in the no-fungi fed group must, however, be considered against the financial cost of the fungi, the requirement of daily feeding of the fungi, the lower performance and higher worm burdens in the fungi fed group.

Strategic use of moxidectin or closantel in combination with levamisole in the control of nematodes of sheep in the highlands of central Kenya.

The strategic use of moxidectin or closantel in combination with levamisole (LEV) to control gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in the highlands of central Kenya was examined. Thirty Corriedale female lambs aged between 6 and 8 months were assigned to three treatment groups of ten lambs each. The three groups of lambs were set stocked on separate paddocks for the entire study period of 12 months. Lambs in Group 1 were dewormed strategically with moxidectin at 0.2 mg/kg body weight and those in Group 2 with closantel at 10 mg/kg body weight together with LEV at 7.5 mg/kg body weight. These strategic treatments were given 3 weeks after the onset of both the short and long rains and at the end of the long rainy season. The third group of lambs remained untreated (control group). Nematode infections in the treated groups of lambs and larval infectivity for the pastures on which the lambs were grazing were well controlled compared with the untreated control group. This resulted in higher weight gains and packed cell volume (PCV) in the treated lambs compared with the untreated lambs. These parameters were comparable between the lambs treated with moxidectin and those treated with closantel plus LEV. The estimated monitory benefit per animal from the control of gastrointestinal nematodes using moxidectin or closantel in combination with LEV when compared with animals in the control group were US dollars 26 and 25, respectively. It was concluded that worm control strategies for sheep in the study area, which are based on anthelmintic treatments during the rainy seasons, are effective. Due to the extended period during which pastures remain infective in the high rainfall central highlands of Kenya, anthelmintics with sustained action such as moxidectin or closantel may be most effective. On farms where resistance to the commonly used benzimidazoles or LEV groups of anthelmintics has developed, moxidectin or closantel may be used in helminth control programs for sheep.

Occurrence of peri-parturient rise in trichostrongylid nematode egg output in Dorper ewes in a semi-arid area of Kajiado District of Kenya.

An investigation on the occurrence of peri-parturient rise in trichostrongylid nematode egg output in breeding ewes was carried out on a Ranch in the semi-arid area of Kajiado District in Kenya during the period May 1999-April 2000. During the study, 20 ewes randomly selected from the breeding stock and 20 un-mated female yearlings were monitored for faecal strongyle egg output every 3 weeks. A significant peri-parturient rise in faecal egg output occurred at around the time of lambing and throughout the lactation period in the mated ewes, but not in the un-mated yearlings. The occurrence of peri-parturient rise in breeding ewes towards the end of the dry season and at the onset of the short rains was enhanced by the resumption of development of hypobiotic larvae. Self-cure occurred in the un-mated yearlings in September 1999 during the dry season and in November-December 1999 during the wet season, but was less obvious in the pregnant and lactating ewes. The peri-parturient ewes contributed to higher pasture contamination at a time when highly susceptible lambs were grazing alongside. Therefore, the control of gastrointestinal nematode parasites in ewes in this area should aim at reducing the effects of this phenomenon through treatment of ewes about 2-3 weeks to lambing and during lactation.

Worm control practices on sheep farms in Nyandarua District of Kenya.

A questionnaire investigation was used to examine anthelmintic usage and practical worm control for sheep on 50 farms selected randomly in Nyandarua District of Central Kenya. Control of helminths was based primarily on the use of anthelmintics on all 50 farms. On the majority (54%) of these properties, lambs were drenched two times per year. Ewes and rams were drenched three or four times per year on 74% of the farms. Most treatments were given at intervals of approximately 3 months with no specific drenching programmes. Anthelmintic doses for the sheep were based on weights estimated using visual appraisal on 98 and 96% of the properties for lambs and adult sheep, respectively. Only on a small proportion of the farms (22%) was the recommended weight of the heaviest animal used when drenching groups of either lambs or adult sheep. In 1994, the majority (68%) of farmers used levamisole (LEV) in combination with oxyclosanide (OXY) a fasciolicide, 10% used benzimidazoles (BZs), 10% LEV alone and 12% LEV and BZs together. This pattern of anthelmintics use was maintained from 1988 to 1994. Eighty one percent of the farmers had been using only LEV or BZs for three or more consecutive years from 1990 to 1994. The implications of these findings for the development of anthelmintic resistance are discussed.

Resistance to benzimidazoles and levamisole in nematode parasites of sheep in Nyandarua District of Kenya.

The occurrence of anthelmintic resistance on 25 sheep farms in the Nyandarua District of Kenya was investigated, using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), the egg hatch assay (EHA) and a larval development assay (LDA). In the FECRT, resistance to both benzimidazoles (BZs) and levamisole (LEV) was detected on four farms, resistance to LEV only on three farms and to BZs, only on two farms. Haemonchus contortus was the predominant nematode species in both pre-treatment and post-treatment faecal cultures. Out of the six farms where BZ resistance was detected in the FECRT, only isolates from one farm had an LD50 value higher than 0.5 microM thiabendazole (TBZ) (0.1 microgram TBZ/ml) in the EHA indicating resistance. Isolates from three other farms, where susceptibility to BZs was detected and four with suspected BZ resistance in the FECRT, had LD50 values higher than 0.5 microM TBZ in the EHA. The LD50 values for TBZ in the LDA for four of the six isolates with BZ resistance in the FECRT were higher than 0.5 microM (0.59-2.07) TBZ. There were disagreements in ascribing resistance for various farms, between methods of calculating and interpreting the faecal egg count reduction percentages (FECR%) based on the arithmetic mean, and those where the geometric mean eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces are used. Inclusion of pre-treatment EPG or control group EPG in the calculation of FECR% resulted in similar variations.

Resistance to thiabendazole, fenbendazole and levamisole in Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus species in sheep on a Kenyan farm.

Resistance to thiabendazole (TBZ), fenbendazole (FBZ) and levamisole (LVM) in naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematode parasites in sheep was investigated on a farm where anthelmintic resistance was suspected. This was measured by both the in vitro egg hatch assay, and reductions in faecal egg and worm counts in treated animals. In the egg hatch assay, nematode eggs were incubated in various concentrations of either TBZ or LVM. The level of resistance was expressed as the drug concentration inhibiting 50% of the eggs from hatching (LC50). The nematode population had LC50 values of 0.26 microgram ml-1 TBZ and 3.12 micrograms ml-1 LVM. In the faecal egg and worm count reduction test, naturally infected sheep were treated with either TBZ (88 mg kg-1), FBZ (10 mg kg-1) or LVM (15 mg kg-1). Faecal egg and total worm counts from these sheep were then compared with counts from untreated sheep. TBZ, FBZ and LVM failed to reduce the faecal egg counts and total worm counts by more than 90%. Based on the identification of larvae from faecal cultures, the most predominant nematode species in the resistant population were Haemonchus (62%) and Trichostrongylus (28%). TBZ reduced faecal egg counts for both species by less than 90%. FBZ and LVM also reduced Haemonchus spp. eggs by less than 90%. Other nematode species numbers did not satisfy criteria for the determination of efficacy.

The relationship between faecal egg count reduction and the lethal dose 50% in the egg hatch assay and larval development assay.

The relationship between resistance detected in the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) and the lethal dose 50% (LD50) in the egg hatch assay (EHA) for benzimidazoles (BZs) and a larval development assay (LDA) for BZs, levamisole (LEV) and ivermectin (IVM) was examined on 13 sheep farms and 12 goat farms in Denmark. Out of 10 farms where resistance to BZs was detected according to the FECRT, nine (90%) had LD50 values above 0.5 microM thiabendazole (TBZ) (0.1 microg TBZ/ml) in the EHA, indicating resistance to BZs. However, four out of the 12 isolates susceptible to BZs in the FECRT had LD50 values higher than 0.5 microM TBZ in the EHA. For all isolates examined, LD50 values for TBZ in the LDA were lower than in the EHA. Four out of 11 and five out of 12 farms with worm populations resistant to BZs according to the FECRT and EHA respectively, had LD50 values lower than 0.5 microM TBZ in the LDA. Using the same cut-off point for resistant isolates in the LDA as in the EHA (0.5 microM TBZ), these isolates would be considered susceptible to BZs. All 10 isolates susceptible to BZs according to the FECRT and EHA and two isolates with suspect BZ resistance had LD50 values lower than 0.5 microM TBZ in the LDA. The above results indicated fairly good agreement in the detection of BZ resistance between the FECRT, EHA and the LDA. Groups of farms where resistance to LEV was detected according to the FECRT had higher mean LD50 values compared to those with LEV-susceptible or suspected resistant isolates. However, only four out of 12 farms having isolates resistant to LEV had LD50 values higher than 1.2 microM LEV (0.28 microg LEV/ml) recorded previously for a LEV-susceptible strain of Ostertagia circumcincta. This indicated discrepancies in declaring resistance to LEV between the FECRT and the LDA. Isolates from four farms where resistance to IVM was detected in the FECRT had LD50 values higher than the susceptible isolates. These were 2.5 to 7.5 times higher than those recorded previously for IVM-susceptible strains.

Comparison of two techniques used for the recovery of third-stage strongylid nematode larvae from herbage.

A laboratory trial to determine the efficacy of two methods in recovering known numbers of third-stage (L3) strongylid nematode larvae from herbage was carried out. Herbage samples consisting almost entirely of star grass (Cynodon aethiopicus) that had no L3 nematode parasitic larvae were collected at Onderstepoort, South Africa. Two hundred grams samples were placed in fibreglass fly gauze bags and seeded with third-stage strongylid nematode larvae at 11 different levels of herbage infectivity ranging from 50 to 8000 L3/kg. Eight replicates were prepared for each of the 11 levels of herbage infectivity. Four of these were processed using a modified automatic Speed Queen heavy-duty washing machine at a regular normal cycle, followed by isolation of larvae through centrifugation-flotation in saturated sugar solution. Larvae in the other four samples were recovered after soaking the herbage in water overnight and the larvae isolated with the Baermann technique of the washing. There was a strong correlation between the number of larvae recovered using both methods and the number of larvae in the seeded samples, indicating that the two methods give a good indication of changes in the numbers of larvae on pasture if applied in epidemiological studies. The washing machine method recovered higher numbers of larvae than the soaking and Baermann method at all levels of pasture seeding, probably because the machine washed the samples more thoroughly and a sugar centrifugation-flotation step was used. Larval suspensions obtained using the washing machine method were therefore cleaner and thus easier to examine under the microscope. In contrast, the soaking and Baermann method may be more suitable in field-work, especially in places where resources and equipment are scarce, as it is less costly in equipment and less labour intensive. Neither method recovered all the larvae from the seeded samples. The recovery rates for the washing machine method ranged from 18 to 41% while those for the soaking and Baermann method ranged from 0 to 27%. Practical application of the two methods to estimate the number of nematode larvae on pastures without applying a correction factor would therefore result in a significant underestimation. This study provides a model, which can be applied in various laboratories to determine the larval recovery rates for techniques being used and the application of a correction factor when estimating the actual numbers of larvae on pasture.

A questionnaire survey of nematode parasite control practices on goat farms in Denmark.

A questionnaire survey to examine worm control practices on angora and other goat farms in Denmark was undertaken in 1993. Questionnaires were inserted in the July, 1993 issue of the official journal of the angora goat farmers in Denmark (Mohair News) and 72 questionnaires posted directly to other goat farms selected from a list of 150 farms registered with the Goat Breeders Association. Data from 51 angora and 41 other goat farms indicated that anthelmintics were used on more than 80% of the farms. On 51% of the farms, no predetermined drenching programmes were followed. On 72% and 64% of the farms, kids (< 1 year of age) and adult goats (> 1 year old) were drenched 1-3, and two or three times per year, respectively. Only 9% of the farmers used the recommended weight of the heaviest animal in a herd to determine anthelmintic doses for groups of both kids and adult goats. Visual perception which may result in underdosing was used to determine weights for drenching on 41% and 69% of the farms for kids and adult goats, respectively. From 1986 to 1993, Class I anthelmintics (benzimidazoles) were the most commonly used. Anthelmintic classes were not alternated annually on the majority of farms, which would enhance selection for resistance. While the majority of farmers (58%) rotated goats regularly between paddocks, only 21% drenched the goats when being moved. Anthelmintic treatment for newly introduced goats was not carried out on 45% of 55 respondent farms, nine of which had imported stock. This increases the likelihood of introducing resistant worms to the farms.

Worm control practices on sheep farms in Denmark and implications for the development of anthelmintic resistance.

A questionnaire survey was undertaken on sheep farms in Denmark to obtain information on sheep management and worm control practices. The questionnaires were inserted in the June and July, 1993 issue of the Danish Sheep Breeders Journal, circulated monthly to approximately 1200 sheep breeders nationwide. A total of 183 (11%) questionnaires were returned. A second questionnaire was posted to 50 of the 183 responding farmers to examine the repeatability of responses to the first questionnaire. The majority (97%) of the 183 farmers used anthelmintics. The mean number of doses per year for lambs (< 12 months old) and adult sheep (> 12 months old) were 1.9 and 2.3, respectively. Only 42% of the farms followed predetermined drenching programmes. Live weights were determined by visual appraisal on 45% and 84% of the farms for lambs and adult sheep, respectively. In calculating anthelmintic doses for groups of lambs and adult sheep, the recommended weights of the heaviest animals were only used on only 18% and 27% of the farms respectively. Benzimidazoles were the most commonly used anthelmintics from 1986 to 1993. Eighty one percent of 94 responding farmers had been using the same class of anthelmintic for 3 or more consecutive years. Information from this study indicated lack of knowledge about worm control strategies, anthelmintic use and the problem of anthelmintic resistance among the majority of Danish sheep farmers. The majority of responses to the questionnaire were repeatable at least to a fair degree except when farmers were asked to recall anthelmintics used in past years.

A survey of anthelmintic resistance in nematode parasites of goats in Denmark.

The occurrence of anthelmintic resistance in 15 goat herds in Denmark was investigated using the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT), egg hatch assay (EHA) for thiabendazole (TBZ) and a microlarval development assay (LDA) for TBZ, levamisole (LEV) and ivermectin (IVM). Resistance to both benzimidazole (BZ) and levamisole (LEV) anthelmintics was detected on six farms, and to both BZs and IVM on one farm. Resistance to BZs was also detected on two farms and to LEV on two farms. Ivermectin resistance was present on one farm. Trichostrongylus and Ostertagia spp. were the predominant nematode species in both pre-treatment and post-treatment faecal cultures. In all nine instances where BZ resistance was detected in the FECRT, the LD50 values for TBZ in the EHA were higher than 0.5 microM TBZ (0.1 microgram TBZ/ml), indicating resistance. LD50 values for TBZ in the LDA were also higher than 0.5 microM where resistance to BZs was detected in the FECRT, except two farms where LD50 values of 0.21 and 0.29 microM TBZ were recorded. LD50 values in the LDA for isolates declared resistant to LEV ranged from 0.78 to 5.62 microM LEV. For IVM, the two resistant isolates had LD50 values of 25 and 68 nM IVM. There were disagreements in the declaration of resistance between methods of calculating faecal egg count reduction percentage (FECR%) based on the arithmetic mean and those where geometric mean EPG is used. Similarly, inclusion of pre-treatment EPG or control group EPG in the calculation of FECR% influenced declaration of resistance.

The prevalence and economic importance of bovine fasciolosis in Kenya--an analysis of abattoir data.

A retrospective study covering a period of 10 years (1990-1999) was carried out using post mortem meat inspection records at the Veterinary Department Headquarters at Kabete to determine the prevalence and economic importance of bovine fasciolosis in Kenya. Meat inspection records from abattoirs in 38 districts distributed over seven out of the eight provinces of Kenya were examined. Prevalence of fasciolosis was calculated as the number of cattle found to be infected with Fasciola, expressed as a percentage of the total number of cattle slaughtered. Using the average weight and market price of a bovine liver, the monetary loss occasioned by condemnation of Fasciola infected livers was calculated. A survey was also carried out at Dagoretti slaughterhouse complex in Nairobi to determine the relative occurrence of F. gigantica and F. hepatica in slaughtered cattle. Cattle slaughtered at Dagoretti slaughterhouse originate from all parts of the country. A total of 5,421,188 cattle were slaughtered in the seven provinces of Kenya during the 10-year period and 427,931 (8%) of these cattle were infected with Fasciola. The region with the highest prevalence of fasciolosis was Western Province (16%) followed, in descending order, by Eastem Province (11%), Nyanza Province (9%), Rift Valley Province (8%), Central Province (6%), Nairobi Province (4%) and Coast Province (3.5%). The total economic loss incurred by the country during the 10-year period as a result of condemnation of the infected livers was approximately US$2.6 million. The total annual economic losses during this period ranged from approximately US$0.2-0.3 million. The highest total economic losses for the 10-year period were recorded in Western Province (US$0.8 million) and Central Province (US$0.7 million). A total of 1584 cattle originating from five provinces of Kenya were slaughtered at Dagoretti slaughterhouse over a period of two months of which 147 (9.3%) were infected with liver flukes. All the liver flukes obtained from the infected livers were identified as F. gigantica. It is concluded that fasciolosis is prevalent in cattle in all provinces of Kenya, that it causes great economic losses as a result of condemnation of infected livers, and that F. gigantica is the main species of liver flukes affecting cattle in Kenya. Local climatic factors, cattle trade, rustling and population numbers, and the presence of the snail intermediate hosts are probably the main factors influencing the incidence of the disease in the various regions of the country.

Strategic control of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in the highlands of central Kenya.

The effectiveness of anthelmintic treatments given 3 weeks after the onset of rains to control gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep in the highlands of central Kenya was investigated. The study was carried out on a farm situated approximately 85 km north west of Nairobi in Nyandarua District of central Kenya. In May 1999, 35 Corriedale ram lambs aged between 8 and 10 months were eartagged, weighed and given albendazole at 3.8 mg/kg body mass. The animals were then allocated to three treatment groups. Three weeks after onset of both the short and long rains' season in November 1999 and April 2000 respectively, lambs in groups 1 and 2 were dewormed. Lambs in group 1 were given closantel at 10 mg/kg body mass in November and closantel plus albendazole at 3.8 mg/kg body mass in April. Lambs in group 2 were given albendazole at 3.8 mg/kg body mass on both occasions, while lambs in group 3 were maintained as the untreated controls. Nematode eggs per gram of faeces (epg) for lambs in the control group were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the treated groups beginning from November, when the strategic treatments started. The levels of epg did not differ significantly between the two treated groups. Body mass for the treated groups was significantly higher (P< 0.05) than for the control group from January 2000 until the experiment was terminated. The rainfall received in the study area in 2000 during the long rain season was inadequate and only occurred for a short period. The amount of herbage on pastures was therefore not adequate and all the study animals started losing mass from June 2000 until the experiment was terminated. The cumulative mass gain and amount of wool produced by the treated lambs during the study period did not differ significantly. There was therefore no difference in using either of the two drugs. It is concluded that, strategic anthelmintic treatments of sheep at the start of the wet season in the highlands of central Kenya is effective in controlling gastrointestinal nematodes. To prevent high levels of re-infection during the season of the long rains (April to June), it is recommended that, during this season, a second treatment be given 5-6 weeks after the first one or at the start of the dry season.

Epidemiology of gastrointestinal helminths infections in Dorper sheep in a semi-arid area of Kenya.

A survey on the prevalence and intensity of infection with gastrointestinal helminths of Dorper sheep in relation to age and weather factors was carried out on a ranch in Kajiado district, a semi-arid area of Kenya for a period of 13 months (May 1999 to May 2000). Faecal samples from lambs (3 months to 1 year), yearlings (1-2 years) and adult breeding ewes (2-4 years) were examined for helminth egg output and helminth genus composition at 3-week intervals. The results indicated that the prevalence of strongyle and tapeworms infections were highest for lambs, followed by the adult breeding ewes and then for the yearlings. In all age groups the proportions of infected animals were higher during the wet season than in the dry season for both nematodes and tapeworms. The mean strongyle egg counts were higher during the dry season for lambs, but were higher during the wet season for the other age groups. Mixed strongyle infections were detected, with Trichostrongylus (55 %), Haemonchus (28 %), Cooperia (10.5 %) and Oesophagostomum (6.5 %) being the most frequently encountered genera throughout the study period. The trends in strongyle faecal egg counts indicated the occurrence of hypobiosis, with resumption of development towards the end of the dry season and at the onset of the short rains in October and November. Self-cure was also observed in September and November in all age groups, although less frequently in lactating ewes. The prevalence and intensities of infection with gastrointestinal helminths in this area appeared to be influenced by the age of the host and weather factors.

The prevalence and intensity of infection with Eimeria species in sheep in Nyandarua district of Kenya.

The prevalence and numbers of coccidian oocysts in faecal samples from young (less than 6 months old), immature (6-12 months old) and adult (over 12 months old) sheep on 15 farms in Nyandarua district were studied during the dry and wet seasons. The species of Eimeria occurring in these sheep were also identified. The proportion of animals shedding coccidian oocysts did not vary significantly with season. The prevalence of the oocysts was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in young sheep (mean 85.3%) compared to immature (mean 40.2%) and adult sheep (mean 32.15%). OPG counts (oocysts per gram of faeces) were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the young sheep compared to immature and adult sheep during both seasons. Prevalence and OPG did not differ between immature and adult sheep. There was no significant difference in OPG during the wet season (mean 328 +/- 997) compared to the dry season (mean 219 +/- 773). The sex of the sheep had no significant effect on prevalence or OPG. Eight species of Eimeria were recognized. They (and their prevalence) were E. bakuensis (ovina) (43.6%), E. ovinoidalis (23.6%), E. ahsata (15.2%), E. intricata (8.27%), E. granulosa (4.8%), E. faurei (2.8%), E. parva (1.06%) and E. pallida (0.67%).

Effects of three anthelmintic treatment regimes against Fasciola and nematodes on the performance of ewes and lambs on pasture in the highlands of Kenya.

The efficacy of strategic anthelmintic control of liver flukes (Fasciola) and gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes on the performance of ewes and lambs on pasture was assessed on a farm in the highlands of Kenya. In May 1999, 45 Corriedale ewes, aged between 2 and 3 years, were ear-tagged, weighed and allocated randomly to three equal treatment groups based on body weight. Faecal samples taken at this time revealed low levels of strongyle-type eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) and the presence of liver fluke eggs in only a few of the animals. All the animals were then set stocked for 12 months on separate paddocks in an area endemic for both Fasciola and GI nematodes. The ewes in group 1 were given a combined anthelmintic treatment against Fasciola and GI nematodes during the periods recommended for the control of Fasciola in the area (February, June and October). The ewes in group 2 were given the combined treatments 3 weeks after the onset of both the short and long rainy seasons (November and April, respectively). Those in group 3 were given separate treatments for Fasciola (February, June and October) and nematodes (3 weeks after the onset of the rainy seasons). The anthelmintic treatment against Fasciola consisted of triclabendazole at 10 mg per kg body weight, and that against nematodes was levamisole at 10 mg per kg body weight. The nematode EPG for the ewes in group 1 were higher than in groups 2 and 3 during both rainy seasons. The nematode EPG did not differ significantly between groups 2 and 3. The prevalence of Fasciola eggs (number of ewes shedding eggs in a group) in the ewes in groups I and 3 remained very low throughout the study period compared to those in group 2. The highest birth weights and the weight gains of lambs were recorded for the group of ewes given separate anthelmintic treatments for Fasciola and nematodes (group 3). The results of this trial indicated that, in an area like Nyandarua District, where liver flukes and GI nematodes are important constraints to sheep production, the best practice is to give separate treatments for the two groups of parasites at the recommended times.

The strategic use of closantel and albendazole in controlling naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in the Kenya highlands.

The strategic use of closantel, a narrow-spectrum salicylanilide anthelmintic against bloodsucking helminths, and of albendazole, a broad-spectrum benzimidazole anthelmintic, in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep was investigated on a farm in Nyandarua District in the highlands of Kenya. Thirty Corriedale female lambs aged between 9 and 12 months were assigned to three treatment groups of 10 lambs each. The three groups were set stocked on separate paddocks for 12 months. Lambs in group 1 (strategic treatment group) were treated with closantel and albendazole at the beginning and towards the end of the long rains (April and June, respectively) and towards the end of the short rains. (December). During the intervening dry season, the lambs were treated with albendazole. Lambs in group 2 (suppressive treatment group) were kept 'worm free' by regular deworming with albendazole at 3-weekly intervals for 12 months. The third group of lambs remained untreated (control group). Gastrointestinal nematode infections and pasture infectivity were well controlled in the case of the strategic treatment group. This resulted in higher weight gains, wool production, packed cell volume, and serum albumin and protein concentrations compared with the untreated control lambs. These parameters were comparable between the strategic treatment and the suppressive treatment groups of lambs. It was concluded that worm control strategies based on the epidemiology of the parasites and the sustained anthelmintic action of closantel in combination with broad-spectrum anthelmintics can provide effective control of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in the study area.