Abstract

Background: Verminous bronchitis in small ruminants is widely prevalent in many regions of India and neighboring countries. The sheep lung worm Dictyocaulus filaria, is the principal etiological agent responsible for weight loss, anaemia, hematological changes and causing mortality in sheep. Aim: Therefore, the present study was conducted to analyze various hematological factors in Nellore brown infected sheep with Dictyocaulus filaria, the main causative agent of Verminous bronchitis in sheep and its successful control. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out to record the hematological changes in Nellore brown sheep affected with lung worms. Total 25 adult sheep and 17 lambs were identified and isolated from a sheep flock (n=387), showing symptoms of respiratory illness, dullness, coughing, anaemia, dyspnoea, laboured breathing and depression. Results: The infection showed an increase in Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and total leukocyte count (TLC). However, a decrease in packed cell volume (PCV), Hemoglobin, total erythrocyte count (TEC), blood pH in Dictyocaulus filaria infected sheep. All the affected sheep were successfully treated with two doses of levamisole hydrochloride @ 7.5 mg/kg body weight at 21 days interval as well as by minimizing exposer to the contaminated pastures. Conclusion: The present study reveals that a significant reduction in erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration and packed cell volume whereas, a significant increase in total leukocyte count and Erythrocyte sedimentation rates in sheep affected with Dictyocaulus filaria.

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