Hemonchoz in cattle

Haemonchiasis in cattle  is a parasitic disease in which the abomasum and small intestine are damaged  by nematodes.  It can cause significant economic damage to farms, as individuals are noticeably delayed in development, lose weight, and deaths are common among young animals. Hemonchosis of ruminants is especially common in the southern regions of the Russian Federation. Cattle and sheep of any age are susceptible to the disease.

What causes the disease

The reason  is infection of individuals with hair-like helminths  Haemonchus contortus . In nature, hemonchs usually live in the form of larvae (at the first stage - in the egg shell). They enter the open environment along with the secretions of infected individuals. Most often they inhabit low-lying swampy pastures, and they are swallowed by animals along with grass or water.

How does hemonchosis develop?

The peculiarity of hemonchs is the absence of intermediate hosts. The larvae are quite tenacious and can remain in the external environment for a long time without changes. Once in the gastrointestinal tract of a cow or sheep, they undergo two molts in the abomasal glands within 2-3 weeks, after which they emerge into the lumen of the abomasum or small intestines and after 2.5-3 weeks reach the sexually mature stage.

Parasites feed on blood, injuring the mucous membrane of the abomasum and small intestines. With intensive infection, significant damage with internal bleeding and the formation of ulcers is possible. The waste products of hemonchs are toxic to the animal body. In addition, inflammation of the mucous membranes is often accompanied by a secondary infection, which causes gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders.

Symptoms

• Individuals are rapidly depleted;

• move little, lag behind the herd;

• diarrhea gives way to constipation;

• mucous membranes have a pale tint;

• the temperature rises;

• the wool becomes brittle;

• stools are black due to internal bleeding;

• a later manifestation is swelling under the jaw, on the dewlap;

• The fluid content in the blood increases (hydremia).

The waste products of helminths cause intoxication. There is less hemoglobin in the blood, leukocytosis is observed.

If left untreated, hemonchosis of cattle and sheep develops within 1-3 months, after which death from exhaustion may occur.

Diagnostics

The pathogen is determined in laboratory conditions. For this purpose, samples of blood, secretions and tissues of the abomasum and small intestine are provided. The eggs of these nematodes do not have specific characteristics, so biosamples containing larvae or adult nematodes are examined. Also confirming helminthiasis are hemorrhagic rashes on the gastric mucosa and the presence of brown liquid in the abomasum.

Treatment

It is most effective to use antiparasitic drugs with a broad spectrum of action. Such products are offered by the company NITA-FARM. Patented drugs have been studied in leading Russian research institutes. All of them have proven effectiveness against hemonchosis of sheep and cattle.

The drugs are based on substances that quickly, safely for the body and completely destroy helminths (including  Haemonchus contortus ):

• albendazole (in the form of suspension and granules);

• ricobendazole;

• doramectin;

• levamisole hydrochloride;

• closantel;

• ivermectin.

The drugs have increased bioavailability and are easily excreted from the body. They begin to act 1-2 hours after administration and destroy both adult parasites and larvae. In most cases, the course of treatment consists of only 1-2 intramuscular or subcutaneous injections.

Some products (Meradoc) provide protection against re-infection for up to 28 days. In most cases, animal meat for slaughter can be used after this period. An exception is Levamisole 75, which allows meat to be used 7 days after use.

NITA-FARM preparations are also suitable for the prevention of hemonchosis. Timely and regular preventive deworming of livestock will save the farm from economic losses due to helminth infestations.