Infection Rate of Giardia Duodenalis in Sheep in Babylon Province, Iraq

Abstract

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.