Prevalence and Management of Oesophagostomiasis in Nellore Brown Sheep Flock

AbstractAn acute infection of oesophagostomiasis occurred in a Nellore Brown sheep flock with a history of diarrhoea, weakness, pale mucous membranes, submandibular oedema, dyspnea and anorexia at Anantapur district (Andhra Pradesh) during March 2023. Lesions like small gritty pea sized nodules, haemorrhagic patches and adult Oesophagotomum worms were observed in the intestinal mucosa during post-mortem examination. Faecal sample examination revealed the highest overall prevalence of oesophagostomiasis (18.63%, 38/204) in hoggets followed by adults (12.50%, 67/536) and the lowest in lambs (11.79%, 25/212). Sex-wise prevalence was higher 17.19 (66/384) in males as compared to 11.27% (64/568) in females. The flock was successfully treated with fenbendazole at the rate of 22 mg/kg body weight (Panacur, Merck Animal Health). It was concluded that fenbendazole at a higher dose rate achieved complete shedding of the parasitic eggs in animals; however, it is important to consider the emerging issue of anthelmintic resistance.