Strategic control of Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Digenea) egg excretion by naturally infected sheep

摘要: The aim of this study was to determine the most appropriate months for applying albendazole (ABZ; oral suspension dose 20 mg/kg body weight) sheep naturally infected with Dicrocoelium dendriticum and kept at pasture, in order reduce parasite egg shedding a minimum, mainly during cold and, as result, decrease pasture contamination by viable eggs. Five animal groups (G), homogeneous regards number eggs per gram (EPG) faeces, were established. treatment were: G1, November January; G2, February; G3, April; G4, G5 (control), April. Ten samplings (S1-S10) carried out every 35 45 days collect faecal samples from rectum each five groups. sedimentation technique McMaster counting chambers used analyze samples. Due effect (ABZ) treatments, behaved differently regard EPG reduction percentage positive D. Using Kruskal-Wallis test, statistically signifi- cant differences (Pwere observed between values obtained rest May, but not May onwards. biggest excretion period when elimination is highest survival greatest, so G1 gave best followed G3 finally descending order.