Frequency of Eimeria spp. in sheep farms in Uberlândia-MG

Abstract

The eimeriosis sheep is an infectious disease caused by protozoa of the genus coccidia Eimeria that affects mainly sheep and lambs. The oocysts of Coccidia are often found in the faeces of sheep, thus allowing the contamination of the environment and reinfection of the same. This study aimed to determine the frequency of Eimeria spp. in feces of sheep from two farms in the municipality of Uberlândia, MG, and identify the species found according to their morphometric characters. We examined 100 faecal samples from sheep reared extensively, Santa Ines, from March 2009. The methodology used was the oocyst count per gram of faeces (OOPG) and promoted sporulation coccidium when present in the sample. For species identification we used morphometry by ocular micrometer and qualitative data from morphology of the oocysts. Were obtained Eimeria spp. 63% of sheep evaluated. The species found were Eimeria. Faure (38%) and E. ninakohlyakimovae (32%), followed by E. parva (12%), E. arloingi (6%), E. sheep (6%), E. intrincata (4%) and E. pallida (2%). The detection of this endoparasitose, as well as the identification of different species is essential to providing an effective strategic control of a region.