Nematodes fauna of the genus Nematodirus (Nematoda) in domestic and semi-free-ranging ruminants of Central Uzbekistan
Abstract
Some features of the nematode fauna of the genus Nematodirus Ransom, 1907 in domestic (sheep , goats, cattle) and semi-wild (goitered gazelle) ruminants of the Bukhara Region in Central Uzbekistan were studied. The aim of the research was to conduct a comparative analysis of the species composition and distribution of nematodes of the genus Nematodirus among di f ferent groups of ruminants in the region. A total of 53 sheep, 15 goats, and 14 cattle were examin ed. The material was processed using coprological methods and complete helminthological dissection, which enabled the detection and identification of nem a todes from different sites of localization. Nine species of the genus Nematodirus were identified in the examined animals: N. abnormalis , N. helvetianus , N. oiratianus , N. gazellae , N. schulzi , N. dromedarii , N. mauritanicus , N. spathiger , and N. sugatini . Among these, 7 species were found in sheep, 4 in goats, and 2 in goitered gazelles ( N. battus and Nematodirus sp.). N. battus was recorded for the first time in the nematode fauna of Central Asia. The identification of larvae belonging to N. battus was confirmed both morphologically and by molecular-genetic analysis. The i nfection rates of animals with individual species under natural conditions varied widely, ranging from 3% to 46.5%. For the first time, N. filicollis and N. sugatini were recorded in the steppe zones of Uzbekistan in sheep. The complex of Nematodirus species found in ruminants of the studied region undou b tedly affects the productivity of sheep and goats, necessitating systematic monitoring.References
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