Endoparasites, detection (worms, coccidia)

Grazing involves a substantial risk of infections with gastrointestinal parasites, which can impair the well-being and performance of the animals or even lead to death. Wild ruminants are also hosts to these pasture parasites, and contribute to their spread. In addition to appropriate pasture management, deworming agents (anthelmintics) are used. In order to apply these in a targeted and therefore efficient manner and to counteract the frequent occurrence of resistant worms, it is advisable to identify infested animals. With a manageable herd size without signs and regular pasture rotations, regular faecal examinations are sufficient without a prophylactic deworming treatment. Worm infestation is determined in faecal samples under the microscope by detecting worm eggs. Initially, mixed samples from groups of animals may be sufficient to assess the intensity of the infestation.
Coccidia are unicellular parasites; coccidiosis is a typical disease of young animals. Although older animals do not usually become ill due to acquired immunity, they can contribute to the spread of the disease by excreting the permanent form of the parasites. Infections with coccidia do not only occur on pastures (pasture coccidiosis) but under certain circumstances in the stable. Symptoms of the disease are watery diarrhoea, which can be bloody, combined with loss of appetite, limpness, dehydration, and emaciation. Severe cases lead to the death of the lambs within a short time. Early and targeted treatment of the lambs with a special preparation is effective. The examination is also carried out using faecal samples, whereby it should be noted that the permanent forms are excreted in phases. Drugs are available for treatment.