Occurrence and pathology of Haemonchus contortus infection in Goats

Abstract

The present communication deals with the occurrence and pathology of Haemonchus contortus infection in goats. During 2001 to 2015, a total of 510 goats were necropsied in the Department of Pathology, CVSc, AAU, Khanapara, and out of these, the mortality in 84 (16.47%) were diagnosed as Haemonchosis. The effect of age, breed, sex and season on the occurrence of Haemonchosis were studied. Mostly observed gross lesions include generalized oedema, anaemia, and presence of fluid in the body cavities. The abomasal contents were fluidal and sometimes mixed with free blood with large number of adult Haemonchus contortus parasites. Ulcerative haemorrhagic spots were seen on the abomasal mucosa where the parasites were found adhered, with hyperaemia of the abomasal folds. Microscopical examination of the abomasum revealed extensive haemorrhages in the mucosa and submucosa with infiltration of eosinophils and mononuclear cells. In some cases there was hyperactivity of the goblet cells leading to occlusion of the glandular lumen