PARASITOLOGICAL NECROPSY IN GOATS

Abstract

Gastrointestinal nematode infestations represent a significant challenge in goat farming, causing economic losses due to high morbidity and mortality. The study aimed to characterize the prevalence and parasite load of different helminth species in goats raised extensively in the Jaboticabal microregion, São Paulo. The research, conducted between January and December 2012, involved 51 goats from 13 farms that had not received recent anthelmintic treatment. The methodology included parasitological necropsy, taxonomic identification of helminths and quantitative analysis of parasite load. The main findings indicated a high prevalence of Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus, with variation in the number of species per animal. In 29.41% of the goats, five different species were detected, while in 3.92%, seven species were present. Furthermore, it was observed that factors such as age, nutrition and management influence the parasite load. It is concluded that the high diversity and intensity of infection reinforce the need for effective control strategies based on regional epidemiological knowledge. The adoption of adequate sanitary management can minimize the dependence on anthelmintics and reduce negative impacts on production.