SEASONAL AND AGE DYNAMICS OF MONIEZIASIS OF SHEEP IN THE EXTREMELY ARID ZONE OF STAVROPOL TERRITORY

Abstract

The Stavropol Territory is geographically distinguished by a variety of natural and
climatic zones. There are 4 zones on its territory: a zone of sufficient moistening, a zone of
insufficient moistening, arid zone and an extremely arid zone. The research was carried out
during 2017-2021 in Apanasenkovsky District, in the agricultural organizations of agricultural
production co-operative (collective breeding farm) “Put Lenina” and agricultural cooperative
(collective farm) “Rodina” of the Stavropol Territory. Monieziasis of sheep in the extremely
arid zone of the Stavropol Territory is represented by two species: M. expansa and M.
benedeni. The highest infection rate (up to 100%) is observed in young animals, which were
born this year and characterized by two increases in morbidity. The first rise in the morbidity
rate is caused by the parasitizing of M. expansa species and begins at the time of pasture in
mid-April and continues until mid-August. Throughout this period it remains at 100% level.
Then, from August to November, comes the second rise in the infection rate among young
animals, which reaches 40-50% and is caused by two types of parasites: M. expansa and M.
benedeni, with a slight predominance of the first species. During indoor maintenance, the
infestation of young animals with moniesia is approximately 20%. In young animals which
were born last year and ewes, parasites of both species are noted throughout the whole year.
With the indoor maintenance, the infestation rate is within 5-15%. Then, during pasture, the
first rise in infestation to 35-45% is noted, which can be observed until August, when a
decrease to 10-15% occurs. The second rise in infestation is noted from September to
November, when the infestation of animals is 25-30%. Throughout the year, the
predominance of M. benedeni species parasitizing is noted in young animals which were born
last year and in the adult stock. During the enterotomy of young animals in July, August
(during weaning), the intensity of invasion is 2.4 specimens. Then, during indoor
maintenance, the intensity of invasion in the entire livestock is 1.2-1.5 specimens.