The Prevalence of Eimeria Species in Sheep in Zabol city, Iran

The protozoan parasites species of Eimeria can cause coccidiosis in small ruminants including sheep. Coccidiosis is one of the most important economic and hygienic diseases in Iran and worldwide. Most livestock suffer from Eimeria species inducing coccidiosis during their economic life. Coccidiosis is the most common sheep disease among 6 months and younger lambs in the world. The present study was performed to determine the prevalence rate and diversity of Eimeria species among sheep population in Zabol, Iran. In the present study, faecal samples (approximately 3-5 gr) were obtained from the rectums of 420 sheep during four seasons of 2013-2014. The sheep were from three age groups (less than 6 months, 6-12 months and over 12 months old). Number of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) was determined by the standard McMaster technique. Identification of genus and species of oocysts was done on sporulation. The results showed an overall prevalence of 20% for coccidiosis. The species of Eimeria occurring in these sheep were also identified. The age of the sheep had a significant effect on the disease prevalence as well. Oocysts counts were significantly higher in animals of less than 6-months old (P0.05). There was no significant difference in OPG between age and sex of sheep (P>0.05). The species of Eimeria and their prevalence were recognized as: E. ahsata (8.33%), E. parva (7.38%), E.ovinoidalis (3.57%) E. pallida (2.85%), E. weybridgensis (2.14%) E. intricata (0.95%). The results of this study showed Eimeriainfection as a prevalent infection in sheep, in Zabol, Iran.