DETERMINATION OF PARASITE LOAD IN SHEEP FROM A PROPERTY IN MINEIROS-GO

Abstract

Parasitic infections in small ruminants cause significant economic losses, especially in tropical regions, where the main parasitic agents show better development. The main clinical signs associated with parasitic infections are anemia, submandibular edema, and weight loss. Given the resistance to anthelmintics, a strategy that has emerged is control based on prior knowledge of the species involved. In this study, 28 fecal samples from sheep were analyzed at the University Center of Mineiros, Goiás, using the McMaster technique for egg quantification and coproculture for genus identification. Based on the results, a higher parasitic load was observed in young, recently weaned animals due to their lower immunity. Coproculture revealed the prevalence of Haemonchus (65%) and Trichostrongylus (22%), followed by Cooperia (10%) and Oesophagostomum (3%). The high infestation is associated with the tropical climate of the region, which favors the proliferation of helminths.