Eimeria is an apicomplex protozoon which affects many species of birds, domestic and wild animals including deer. This is the first study in Iraq that was designed for diagnosis Eimeria spp. in deer using traditional methods. Eighty fecal samples of Fallow deer (Damadama) were collected in different provinces in the middle part of Iraq during December 2018 to the end of September 2019. Samples were examined by direct smear and flotation with Sheather's solution. The total infection rate with Eimeria spp. was 70% (56/80), in which higher infection rate was observed in female deer (78%, 39/50). The results also showed that Fawn at age<3-11 months recorded higher rate of infection (86.3%, 19/22). Eimeria infection was more prevalent in Karbala and Baghdad provinces where recorded (73.3% and 72%) respectively, sharp increase of infection recorded during March (87.5%, 7/8). In addition, four species of Eimeria (E. crandalis, E. intricate, E. parva, and E. sordida) were detected in Iraqi deer according to morphological characterization of oocysts. This study highlighted the distribution of some Eimeria species in deer and revealed the effect of some epidemiological factors on prevalence in different middle Iraq provinces.

Isolation and identification of cryptosporidium species infection in lambs in Babylon province, Iraq

Giardia duodenalis is a common intestinal protozoan that can cause diarrhea, weight loss and even death in animals or humans, threatening the livestock industry and public health. It can virtually infect (zoonosis) humans and all domestic animals, including sheep. Objective of this research was to study the prevalence of Giardia duodenalis infection in sheep in the province of Babylon, Iraq. 100 fecal samples were obtained from sheep of different age groups (1month to 5 years) from 3 areas in Babylon province, middle of Iraq. The samples were tested for the presence of Giardia duodenaliscysts using concentration Zinc Sulphate solution and Giemsa staining method. Giardia duodenalis cysts were present in 13% of sheep. The results showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in prevalence rates among different area of study. The highest infection rate was in Al-Qasim 20%, while the lowest in Al-Hillah 10%. The sex of sheep had no effect on the infection ratio with Giardia duodenalis. The infection rate was 12 % for males and 14 % for females respectively. The results showed no significant (p>0.05) differences in prevalence rates among different age groups of sheep infected with Giardia duodenalis. The presence of Giardia duodenalis in sheep in Babylon province indicates that this protozoan parasite should also be considered in the etiology of sheep exhibiting diarrhea.