Comparative Efficacy of Albendazole, Tetramizole and Ivermectin Against Gastrointestinal Nematode in Naturally Infected Sheep in Sebeta, Ethiopia

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine and compare the efficacy of the albendazole, tetramizole and ivermectin against gastrointestinal nematode in naturally infected sheep in Sebeta, Ethiopia. One hundred sixteen sheep were sampled of which 60 sheep with faecal egg count above 150 were randomly allocated into four groups, each group consisting 15 sheep were assessed to determine anthelminthic efficacy through faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). The first group was treated with albendazole, second with tetramisole, third with ivermectin and fourth kept as untreated to serve as control. Faecal samples were collected on day first prior to administration of treatment followed by day 7 - 14 post treatment. The FECRT revealed that the presence of ivermectin resistance while albendazole and tetramizole were effective against sheep gastrointestinal nematodes in the study area. In conclusion, farmers and professionals must observe the preventive measures to avoid a wide spread of ivermectin resistance, otherwise the presence of resistant parasites and ineffective treatment may harm the productivity of sheep.

Keywords: Abendazole; Anthelminthic resistance; Fecal egg count reduction test; Ivermectin; Sheep nematodes; Tetramizole