Evaluation of Ivermectin in Reducing Gastrointestinal Helminths and Anaplasma Species Infections in Sheep in Khagrachari Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Authors : Homaira Pervin Heema, Md. Sirazul Islam, Md. Bayzid, Nazmul Hasan, Farazi Hasıb, Farjana Akter, Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan, Md. Kabirul Islam Khan, Md Abdul Alim

Pages : 162-168

Doi:10.36483/vanvetj.1650172

View : 249 | Download : 369

Publication Date : 2025-11-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Sheep farming is crucial to Bangladesh\\\'s livestock sector, with increasing popularity among tribal communities in the Chattogram hill tract. The growth and productivity of sheep farming are often hindered by gastrointestinal (GI) and haemoparasitic infections. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ivermectin in reduction of GI and Anaplasma sp. infections in sheep from Khagrachari district, Chattogram. A total of 100 fecal and 100 blood samples were collected from sheep, both before and 1 (one) month after the administration of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg body weight, subcutaneous route). Routine coproscopy (e.g., direct smear, sedimentation and floatation) was performed to detect GI parasites. Blood smears were stained with Giemsa\\\'s stain for the identification of Anaplasma sp. infections. Ivermectin administration significantly reduced GI parasitic infections in sheep by 48% (50% to 26%). The highest reduction (69%) was observed in the 6-month to 1-year age group. Among enteric helminths, Fasciola sp. infection decreased by 57%, while Chabertia sp., Oesophagostomum sp., and Moniezia sp. were completely eliminated. In contrast, the prevalence of Schistosoma spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Haemonchus spp., Paramphistomum spp., and Strongyloides spp. increased post-treatment. Anaplasma sp. (A. marginale and A. centrale) infections were significantly reduced by 80% (p=0.017), with male sheep exhibiting a 100% reduction. Sheep of Uttargonjpara region had a 100% reduction in enteric helminth infections. Ivermectin effectively reduced blood protozoal infections across most study locations, except in Uttargonjpara and Mohalchara. The study suggests that ivermectin is effective for controlling GI and Anaplasma sp. infections. Further research is recommended in a larger sheep population, including the detection of ectoparasites for better understanding the broader impacts of ivermectin use in hilly regions.
Keywords : Anaplazma türleri, Gastrointesinal helmintler, İvermektin, Koyun

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