Haemonchus contortus : A Hazard To Small Ruminant Industry

Haemonchus contortus also known as Barber’s pole worm or twisted stomach worm or wire worm is the nemesis of the small ruminant sector in the tropical and subtropical region of the world. This species, prevalent in tropical and warmer temperate countries, causes the disease known as Haemonchosis. Haemonchus spp. belonging to the family Trichostrongylidae are voracious bloodsuckers occurring primarily in the abomasum of the sheep. In India, where there is a variable climate in addition to the unhygienic and malnutrition, the animals are frequently exposed to this parasite, causing Haemonchosis. H. contortus infects mainly grazing small ruminants. This nematode, during its residence in GIT, causes high morbidity and mortality as well in sheep and goat