Use of homeopathy in parasite control in a flock of Zerasca sheep

Abstract

The control of gastrointestinal parasites in livestock relies almost exclusively on multiple and regular dosing with anthelmintics. This leads to problems linked with residues in food products and in the environment and has encouraged researchers to search for alternatives or new helminth control methods (Ketzis et al., 2006). Among these medthods, homeopathy could play a strategic role in solving health problems; however, at present, there is a lack of scientific results with validated techniques used on a large scale. The aim of this study was thus to investigate the feasibility of homeopathy in the control of the parasite burden in sheep. The study lasted 12 months and involved 30 Zerasca ewes divided into two groups. Sabadilla MK was administered twice. A faecal egg count (FEC) was performed of gastrointestinal strongyles and blood parameters were characterized. Statistical analysis was by ANOVA and relations between FEC and hematocrit (HCT) were estimated by Pearson's correlations. FEC was influenced by the sampling date, confirming seasonal fluctuation. On the whole, homeopathy did not influence the parasite burden, but a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in egg output was observed at the second and at the last sampling following the administration of the remedy. Data concerning blood parameters did not show appreciable differences between the two groups. FEC and HCT showed an inverse correlation even if mean values were within the normal range. The study revealed the advantages of monitoring parasites and the interest of homeopathy in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes.