Haemoparasitism of goats and sheep

Abstract

Haemoparasites of goats and sheep occur worldwide and are transmitted by vectors, especially ticks and tsetse flies. Several of these parasites have a significant impact on the development of the small ruminant industry. However, only scattered information is available on haemoparasitism of small ruminants. In addition, climate change and transport of vectors/pathogens between geographical areas will have an impact on the distribution. Active surveillance is necessary to obtain reliable maps concerning establishment of both vectors and pathogens. Moreover, new pathogens in small ruminants will be revealed in the future and perhaps become more abundant. Management of these infections should include integrated control strategies, such as host and breed resistance to the vectors and their pathogens, vector control and the use of available vaccines against vectors and vector-borne infections. The present chapter focus on the following haemoparasites: Anaplasma ovis, A. phagocytophilum, Babesia ovis/motasi, Ehrlichia ruminantium, Theileria spp. and Trypanosoma spp.