Open AccessPrevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. in goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil
Author(s) -
Lucia Oliveira de Macedo,
Marcos Antônio BezerraSantos,
Carla Lopes de Mendonça,
Lêucio Câmara Alves,
Gílcia Aparecida de Carvalho
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of parasitic diseases
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.357
H-Index - 21
eISSN - 0975-0703
pISSN - 0971-7196
DOI - 10.1007/s12639-020-01235-3
Subject(s) - herd , eimeria , coccidiosis , veterinary medicine , biology , feces , epidemiology , zoology , medicine , ecology
Eimeria spp. infections lead to acute or chronic intestinal disorders in small ruminants, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection in small ruminants of the microregion of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 822) were obtained from goats (n = 414) and sheep (n = 408) and evaluated by the modified Gordon and Whitlock technique. Risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. Oocysts of Eimeria species were detected in 62.9% (517/822) of the animals, with 77.8% (322/414) in goats and 47.8% (195/408) in sheep. For goats, the herd size (OR = 5.52), rearing system (OR = 1.57), feeding place (OR = 2.60), absence of mineral salt in the diet (OR = 2.54), flooring type (OR = 2.83) and periodicity of cleaning (OR = 5.39) were considered risk factors. Conversely, for sheep only the herd size (OR = 3.16) and rearing system (OR = 2.45) were important factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. Data herein obtained brings meaningful information on the epidemiology of coccidiosis in small ruminants in Northeastern Brazil. The knowledge of these risk factors is useful to contribute to the development of preventive measures, thereby, reducing the economic impact caused by these protozoa in small ruminant production.