Fascioliasis in Sheep in the Julfa District (Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan)

Abstract

The article reflects the biological and ecological features of Fasciola parasitizing in sheep, reared in the territory of the Julfa district (Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan), and preventive measures against them. As a result of the research conducted, it was found out that 2 types of Fasciola are parasitized on the territory of the Julfa district: Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus (common liver fluke) and F. gigantica Cobbold. From the analysis of helminthoovoscopic examinations of internal organs (liver and gallbladder) of 242 sheep studied, it turned out that both the intensity (4.4–22.2 units) and the extensiveness of invasion (39.2%) were sufficient. Depending on the climatic zone of the area, the extensiveness and intensity of invasion prevail in several low-lying zones. However, the invasion was not detected in organs belonging to 41 head of sheep taken from mountainous and foothill areas. Here we can come to the conclusion that the lack of suitable temperature and humidity for the development of eggs in areas where invasion was not detected, led here to a break in the chain of Fasciola development.