Haemonchus contortus

Question 1

Hameonchus contortus causes haemonchosis. What are the clinical signs?

Answer 1

Anaemia (look at eyelids)
Oedema
Weight loss

Question 2

Where is haemonchus contortus found?

Answer 2

Abomasum of sheep, cattle, goats

Tropics and sub-tropics (doesn’t survive UK winter)

Question 3

How big is a Haemonchus contortus adult worm?

Answer 3

3cm

Question 4

Describe distinguishable features of Haemonchus controtus

Answer 4

Barber pole worm - white ovaries wrapped around gut
Cervical papillae
Asymmetrical dorsal lobe

Question 5

What is the lifecycle of haemonchus contortus?

Answer 5

Typical trichostrongyle lifecycle
L3 hypobiosis and burrow into abomasum, emerge L5
PPP of 3 weeks

Question 6

What is a unique feature of haemonchus contortus adults?

Answer 6

Feed on blood

Question 7

What is the pathogenesis of haemonchus contortus?

Answer 7

Feed on blood and erode abomasal wall

Causes haemorrhagic gastritis

Question 8

What is the main source of pasture contamination and why?

Answer 8

Ewes

Due to peri-parturient rise - immunocompetence decreases before parturition

Question 9

When does disease outbreak?

Answer 9

Late Summer

Question 10

Is there a vaccine for Haemonchus?

Answer 10

Yes in Australia

Question 11

How is Haemonchus controlled?

Answer 11

Drenches by benzimidazoles, imidathiazoles/tetrahydropyramidines, macrocyclic lactones
Monepantel and derquantel