Researchers at Oregon State University and the University of Georgia have developed an improved , more effective method to essay for barber perch worms , the most serious of the bloodsucking worms in sheep . Barber pole worm ( Haemonchus contortus ) ensue in hundred of millions of dollars in losses every year for the world-wide sheep and wool diligence .
The technology is now available , and will allow a faster , easier and less expensive method to try for the presence and measure of Samuel Barber rod worms , a species that is very pathogenic to sheep , Capricorn and llamas . It ’s a lectin staining trial run based on a peanut agglutinin that binds to eggs of the barber pole worm and can be well determine with a microscope using ultraviolet light . The test is an improved version of former technology developed by scientist in Australia that was slower , less in effect , more expensive and required more advanced education to execute , researchers say .
The run will help sheep rancher deal with worms more promptly and effectively , optimize their direction drill , and sometimes avoid pricey therapy .
determination about the raw test were write inVeterinary Parasitology , a professional daybook .
“ This fussy parasite is much more pathogenic in sheep than other worm , and previous methods to observe it were very lying-in intensive and often not commercially virtual , ” read Michael Kent , an OSU prof of microbiology . “ Now ranchers and veterinarians can try out for this trouble and target their direction or treatment strategies much more effectively . ”
The barber pole worm causes significant yield losses in sheep . In some cases , it ’s the bound ingredient to sheep production on pasturage lands . The sponger can cause inner bleeding , which in turn can conduct to anemia , poor solid food conversion and growth , crushed protein levels , reduced lamb production and fleece yield , and , in some guinea pig , expiry .
Also known as wire worms , barber pole worms are pedigree - take in parasites that pierce the lining of the sheep ’s venter . They are prolific egg producer , releasing up to 10,000 egg per 24-hour interval , and often have problems in quick clime or during the summertime . Once barber celestial pole worms infect a sheep , expensive discussion or complex management scheme are often needed to address the infection .
The lectin tarnish test was developed by microbiologists and veterinary doctors at OSU and UGA , and is now available through those institutions . Its use should continue to flourish and become more readily useable to sheep farmers around the world , Kent says .
The test may also be worthful to farmers concerned in organic production of sheep , stooge and llamas , who endeavor to invalidate use of chemical treatments in maintaining the wellness of their creature .
“ One of the current testing tools commonly used by sheep and goat husbandman in dealing withH. contortusis the FAMACHA method in which the granger compares the animate being ’s lower eyelid colour to swatches on a add-in to determine the animate being ’s anemia condition , ” say Bob Storey , a UGA researcher who co - developed the lectin defile mental testing . However , this method acting works only if the Samuel Barber pole dirt ball is the primary sponge in a sheep ruck ’s louse population .
“ For the veterinarian distribute with an anemic animal and a heavy leech core , the lectin staining test provides quick feedback as to whether the anemia is parasite - establish or may be due to another cause , ” Storey says .
The test requires only a small amount of a sheep ’s feces . Results are available in as short as two days . Farmers interested in obtaining the test can get info on sample , test final result and fee from theVeterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at OSU(541 - 752 - 5501 ) or Bob Storey at the Department of Infectious Diseases at UGA ’s College of Veterinary Medicine ( 706 - 542 - 0195 ) .
As with any animal wellness concerns , results should be reviewed with a veterinarian so that right treatment programs can be put in place , investigator say .
