Haemonchosis with hypocupremia and hypoferremia in sheep

Abstract

The study was undertaken to report an anaemic crisis in sheep affected with Haemonchosis. Physical examination of all animals showed blanched mucous membrane with severe tick infestation. The faecal samples were positive for Trichostrongylid group of egg and peripheral blood smears were negative for haemoprotozoa. Haemogram showed severe reduction of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count. Serum biochemistry revealed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and decreased level of minerals (copper, iron and calcium). Larviculture of faecal samples confirmed the presence of Haemonchus contortus (78%) and other nematodes like Oesophagostomum columbianum and strongyloides papillosus (22%). The animals were treated with sus. Closantel @ 10mg/Kg b.wt PO, Inj. Vitamins (B1, B6 and B12) and oral iron supplements Heme up for 15 days. Post treatment analysis showed improvement in blood picture, protein level and copper and iron content. All sheep recovered successfully. Prophylactic treatments of flock mates were also recommended.