Epidemiological study of gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in urban and suburban areas, in Marua, Extreme North of Cameroon

Abstract

An epidemiological study was carried out on gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep in urban and suburban areas, in Marua, located in the Extreme North province of Cameroon, where the climate is of the Sudano-Sahelian type with a short rainy season and a long dry season. Four animal husbandry systems were identified. From November 1996 to October 1997, 111 sheep belonging to 21 flocks were monitored monthly for coprological and hematological evaluations. Results showed the presence of infective larvae (L3) of five genera/species of nematodes: Haemonchus, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum, Trichostrongylus and Strongyloides papillosus. The season and animal husbandry system had a significant influence on the eggs per gram of feces count (EPG) (P < 0.05). EPGs increased during the rainy season in all animal husbandry systems, but were higher in flocks that grazed on pastures at the periphery of the town and in those kept permanently confined. The packed cell volume showed a negative correlation with EPG and significantly decreased during the rainy season. Prophylactic schemes are suggested in relation with the animal husbandry system and seasonal variation of parasite activity.