THE EPIZOOTOLOGY OF SHEEP ECHINOCOCCOSIS IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF PASTURES IN THE PLAIN BELT OF DAGESTAN

In the plane belt of Dagestan, Echinococcus granulosus is a widespread zoonosis that poses a danger to humans and animals. Abiotic, biotic and anthropogenic factors play an important role in the formation of larval echinococcosis. We have studied the spread, and seasonal and age dynamics of echinococcosis in the plane belt of Dagestan. The average E. granulosus (larvae) prevalence reaches 34.8%. The maximum E. granulosus (l.) prevalence of 18.3% was found in sheep in low-lying wetlands, the infection intensity was 8–17 specimens, and the minimum prevalence was 5.0% and 2–3 specimens in semidesert pastures. It is possible to diagnose echinococcosis at any time of the year since E. granulosus (l.) is found in all seasons of the year. The greatest echinococcus prevalence in adult sheep was recorded in autumn (16.6%). According to dissections of the lungs, liver, and spleen in sheep in spring, all cysts were fertile compared to other seasons of the year. The minimum E. granulosus (l.) prevalence values of 9.5% were found in lambs, and 13.1% in adult animals. The results of the studies conducted in the plane belt of Dagestan indicate an unfavorable epizootic situation on echinococcosis among sheep and the need for regular monitoring to identify pastures contaminated by echinococcus and their sanitation.