Positivity Rate Investigation and Anthelmintic Resistance Analysis of Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep and Cattle in Ordos, China

Abstract

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), such as Trichostrongylidae, are important pathogens in small ruminants, causing significant losses in these livestock species. Despite their veterinary importance, GINs have not been studied in certain regions of the world. Therefore, much of their epidemiology and economic impact on production remain unknown. In the present study, a systematic epidemiological survey based on the modified McMaster technique was conducted to investigate the type and infection of GINs in sheep and cattle. In 9622 fecal samples from 491 sampling sites in the four main banner districts of Ordos, the prevalence of GIN infection was found to be 38.84% and 4.48% in sheep and cattle, respectively. At the same time, the effects of four pasture types on the distribution of GINs were analyzed. This study also found severe resistance to ivermectin and albendazole in GINs and suspected anthelmintic resistance in nitroxynil, levamisole and closantel. We report the type and infection of GINs in Ordos, with the aim to help the prevention and control of GINs. Based on the results of the questionnaire survey and GIN resistance test, we found several reasons for the anthelmintic resistance of GINs, consequently providing new ideas for controlling the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance.