Epidemiological studies on Haemonchus contortus in sheep of Telangana state, India

The overall prevalence of Haemonchus contortus was 63.4% in Telangana state, India, with infection rates of 70.7% in the southern, 62.0% in the central, and 49.6% in the northern agro-climatic zones. Among the districts higher rate of prevalence was recorded in Mahabubnagar district 84.0% (126/150) followed by Nalgonda 79.3 % (119/150), Rangareddy 74.0 % (115/150), Khammam 73.3% (110/150), Warangal 67.3% (101/150), Karimnagar 66.6 % (100/150), Hyderabad 66% (99/150), Suryapet 65.3% (98/150), Siddipet 59.3% (89/150), Medak 58.6% (88/150), Medchal-Malkajgiri 53.3%, (80/150), Sangareddy 51.3% (77/150), Jagitial 47.3% (71/150), Kamareddy 45.3% (68/150) and least in Nizamabad district 39.3 % (59/150). Age wise studies recorded highest infection in lambs of 6-12 months (75.5%), followed by less than 6 months age group (63.3%) and lesser in above one year age group (48.7%) when compared to the other two groups. Prevalence of Haemonchus contortus infection was higher in rainy season (78.8%), followed by winter season (61.4%) and lower in summer season (47.0%). Ewes were more prone to infection (72.3%) than Rams (27.3%).