Abstract

Comparing FAMACHA® scores and hematological parameters in Nachi, Beetal and Pak Angora goats naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus

Authors: Mubashar Hassan, Zohaib Saeed, Aftab Shaukat, Muhammad Abdullah Qureshi, Muhammad Tahir Aleem and Zaid Ahmed

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.71081/cvj/2024.003

Abstract
Haemonchus contortus, also known as "barbar's pole" worm, is a cosmopolitan aggressive blood-feeding parasite of small ruminants belonging to the phylum Nemathelminths. It causes severe infection of gastrointestinal tract in goats and sheep with high mortality rate. Because of Severe losses in capital, controlling H. contortus is a prime consideration for farmers and scientists. Irrational use of anthelmintic drugs because of late diagnosis led to the development of resistance in parasites for these drugs. The researchers suggest multiple diagnostic tools, but they may be expensive, have a later interpretation of the results, or need a high level of expertise, making them practically unfeasible to be used instantly on farms. Rapid, early, and economical diagnosis is the prime thing for identifying the problem. FAMACHA® is a visual aid for diagnosing H. contortus based on the mucosal color. In this research, results of the FAMACHA card were used to compare fecal egg counts, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin levels in three breeds of goats i.e., "Beetal" Nachi and Pak Angora. FEC values showed a positive correlation with the FAMACHA® visual scores, while PCV and hemoglobin values showed a negative correlation. This suggested that AMACHA® can help assess the severity of H. contortus infection, but it cannot be used for clinical interpretation of H. contortus.

Keywords: Haemonchus contortus, FAMACHA, Goats, Fecal egg counts, Packed cell volume, Hemoglobin