Cross-Sectional Study on Clinical and Haemato-Biochemical Profile in Sheep and Goats Infected with Gastrointestinal Helminths in Sana'a Governorate, Yemen

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the clinical and haemato biochemical alterations in sheep and goats infected with gastrointestinal helminths in Sana’a Governorate, Yemen. A total of 140 adult local sheep (n=79) and goats (n=61) were examined during the period from August to December 2024, of which 59 sheep and 41 goats were identified as helminth-infected based on clinical signs and faecal examination, while 20 animals of each species served as controls (non-infected). Blood samples were collected for the analysis of haematological and biochemical parameters. Clinical examination revealed anemia, diarrhea, emaciation, pale mucous membranes, mild fever, and increased pulse rate in infected animals. Parasitological analysis confirmed infections with a range of nematodes, trematodes and cestodes including Ostertagia, Haemonchus, Trichuris, Nematodirus, Fasciola, and Moniezia. Haematological findings showed significantly reduced Hb, PCV, and TEC, with elevated eosinophil counts but no significant changes in ESR, TLC, or other leukocytes. Biochemical analysis demonstrated significant decreases in total protein, albumin, and glucose, accompanied by elevated AST and ALT, while globulin levels remained unchanged. The study concluded that sheep and goats suffering from gastrointestinal helminths showed altered status of clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters. Effective control measures should be managed to prevent those harmful effects of gastrointestinal helminths on small ruminants.