Haemonchus contortus (1) Flashcards
What is important about this parasite?
1 killer of sheep and goats
It is one of the most important parasites of sheep and goats in the USA
It is adaptable and the prevalence is increasing
What are the hosts?
Sheep and goats
Describe adults
Adult females
- Have white ovaries, wind spirally around the blood-filled intestine
producing a “barber pole” appearance
- Vulvar flap
Found in abomasum
2-3 cm long
Barbed spicules of male
Describe eggs
85 micro m with morula
Thin shelled
Oval
Describe the life cycle
PPP: 3-4 weeks
Female lays large numbers of eggs
Direct
Adults live in abomasum
L3 enter abomasal glands
Season: Summer, warm, humid
What is the site of infection?
Abomasum
Explain the clinical sign: acute hemorrhagic anemia
Removes 0.05 mL of blood/day
Become apparent after about 2 weeks
Characterized by a dramatic and progressive fall in the packed red cell volume
Continued loss of iron and protein
Describe chronic haemonchosis
Reinfection negligible/Pasture deficient in nutrients
Continual loss of blood from small persisting burdens
Progressive weight loss
Weakness
Inappetance
Anemia
Gross Edema
Describe hyperacute cases
Hemorrhagic gastritis
Anemia
Ascites
Lethargy
Submandibular edema (due to hypoproteinemia)/Bottle jaw
Dark colored feces
Loss of wool
Describe the Pathogenesis
Acute hemorrhagic anemia
Chronic haemonchosis
Hyperacute cases
How do you diagnose?
Season/history
Clinical signs
Fecal eggs counts and identification of L3
Necropsy
How do you treat and prevent?
MCLs, Benzimidazoles, levamisole
Anthelmintic resistance serious
FAMACHA
- A tool for selective treatment
- Goat gets treated at 3 because they are not able to handle
parasites
What is the common name?
Barber pole worm
