Effective Methods of Treatment and Prevention of Strongylatosis-trichocephalus-eimeriosis Infestation of Sheep
Aizhan Akhmetzhanova1,*, Assem Myrzhiyeva2, Assel Zhexenayeva1, Ainur Koigeldinova1, Serik Tussupov1
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shakarim University, 20A Glinka Str., Semey 071412,
Republic of Kazakhstan.
2Department of Pharmacology and Pathological Anatomy, Kazakh National Agrarian Research University,
8 Abay Ave., Almaty 050010, Republic of Kazakhstan.
*Corresponding Author E-mail: aizh.akhmetzhanova79@gmail.com
ABSTRACT:
The main objective of the study was to identify effective methods of controlling eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis, which pose a serious threat to the health and productivity of sheep in the Abai region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The study involved 400 sheep from five farms, which were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received a new drug including active components such as coccidin, sulfadimethoxine, furazolidone, toltrazuril and herbal powders (tansy, wormwood, yarrow, while the control group received standard treatment. The results of copro-voscopic examinations showed that by the 30th day of the drug application the level of eimeriosis infection in the experimental group decreased to 0%, while in the control group, it remained at the level of 45% in lambs and 30% in adult sheep. Also in the experimental group, there was a significant improvement in the general state of health of animals, expressed in the increase in body weight gain by 15% in lambs and 10% in adult sheep, which significantly exceeded the similar indicators of the control group. These results demonstrate the high efficiency of the new drug in both the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections, indicating its significant potential for use in the conditions of farms in Kazakhstan. The introduction of this drug can significantly improve the health of sheep, increase their productivity and, accordingly, the economic efficiency of sheep breeding in the region.
KEYWORDS: Parasitology, Coprovoscopy, Lambs, Antihelminthic drug, Nematodes, Infestation.
INTRODUCTION:
Parasitic infections in livestock production in Kazakhstan pose a serious threat to the economic stability and health of farm animals, especially in sheep production. Kazakhstan, with its large livestock breeding territories, faces the problem of widespread parasitic diseases such as eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis.
These infections lead to significant losses among livestock, deterioration of product quality and reduction of overall animal productivity.
Studies by Kazakhstani scientists show that a significant number of animals in the country suffer from parasitic infections, with lambs remaining the most vulnerable group. The study by Yan et al.1 showed that the level of eimeriosis infection among young sheep in some farms of South Kazakhstan reaches 70%, which leads to mass death of animals and significant economic losses. In addition, according to the data of Utebaeva et al.2, the prevalence of strongylatosis among sheep in Northern Kazakhstan also remains high, which leads to chronic exhaustion of animals and reduction of their productivity.
Abai oblast, as one of the leading sheep breeding regions in Kazakhstan, is particularly at risk of epidemics of parasitic diseases. This is due to the climatic conditions of the region, which favour the active spread of parasites, as well as the high density of livestock on individual farms. Studies by Kushaliyev et al.3 and Shabdarbayeva et al.4 showed that in the southern regions of the country the level of eimeriosis infection among young sheep can reach 70%, which leads to significant losses among young sheep.
One of the reasons for the persistently high parasite infestation of sheep is the lack of effectiveness of currently used antiparasitic drugs5,6. As noted by Assanova et al.7, a significant part of preparations used in animal husbandry in Kazakhstan is outdated and does not provide the proper level of animal protection. This is due to the development of resistance in parasites, as well as insufficient adaptation of preparations to specific conditions of housing and feeding, characteristic of the regions of Kazakhstan. In particular, many of the used means are ineffective at low temperatures and in conditions of fodder deficit, which is typical for steppe and mountainous regions of the country.
The problem of parasite resistance to traditional antiparasitic agents is becoming more and more urgent, which requires the search for new approaches to treatment and prevention. In recent years in Kazakhstan, there has been a growing interest in the use of multicomponent preparations, including both synthetic and plant components. Studies by Akhmetzhanova et al.8 and Mamedova9 have shown that such preparations can significantly increase the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of parasitic infections due to the synergistic effect provided by the interaction of various active substances. However, it should be taken into account that the results of laboratory studies are not always confirmed in the field, which emphasizes the need for additional research and testing of preparations directly on farms.
The cost-effectiveness of introducing new antiparasitic agents is also an important aspect to consider. Zhanabayev et al.10 showed in their study that the use of modern antiparasitic drugs can lead to a significant reduction in treatment costs and increase the profitability of sheep farms. However, the high cost of such drugs and the lack of farmers' awareness of their benefits remain serious barriers to their widespread use.
Thus, there was a need for a comprehensive study aimed at developing an effective multi-component antiparasitic preparation adapted to the conditions of Kazakhstan, as well as assessing its economic feasibility. The aim of the study was to fill the gaps in the existing knowledge on prevention and treatment of parasitic infections in sheep in Kazakhstan and to propose new solutions to improve the effectiveness of the fight against these diseases. The objectives of the study included analysing the current status of parasitic infections in sheep in Kazakhstan, with a focus on the Abai region, to identify the prevalence of eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis, as well as factors contributing to their spread.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Materials:
The study was conducted on five sheep farms located in the Abai region. The study focused on lambs born in 2024, as they are the most susceptible to eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestations. A total of 400 animals participated in the study: 50 lambs and 30 adult sheep from each farm.
Coprovoscopy and histological methods were used to diagnose diseases. Coprovoscopy was performed by collecting faecal samples from each animal in sterile containers. Samples were examined for the presence of Eimeria oocysts and nematode eggs by flotation. This method allowed determining the degree of infestation of each animal with high accuracy. Histological analysis was performed to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of intestinal lesions. Small and large intestine tissue samples were taken from randomly selected animals under anaesthesia and examined under a microscope to detect the presence of parasites and inflammatory tissue changes.
Methods:
The anti-eimeriosis drug was formulated based on the following components: coccidin (10-20%), sulfadimethoxine (5-15%), furazolidone (5-10%), toltrazuril 2.5% (5-10%), tansy powder (5-20%), wormwood powder (5-20%), yarrow powder (5-20%), sucrose (5-15%), starch (20-50%) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (1-5%). The components were mixed in specific proportions to maximize efficacy and safety.
All sheep were divided into two groups: control (215 animals) and experimental (185 animals). The experimental group received the developed drug for 30 days at a dosage calculated per animal body weight. The control group received standard treatment, which included the use of traditional antihelminthic drugs (e.g., albendazole) and supportive agents (vitamins and minerals).
In the experimental group, prophylaxis was carried out using the developed preparation, which was administered to sheep at a dosage calculated per animal body weight. Each animal received the preparation orally once a month for six months.
The control group received standard preventive measures including regular sanitation of the premises, keeping pastures clean and the use of traditional antihelminthic drugs every three months.
Animal condition was monitored, and efficacy evaluated throughout the study period. Infestations of eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis were assessed at the beginning of the study, after 15 days and at the end of the 30-day treatment period. Repeated faecal samples and histological examinations similar to the initial ones were used. Clinical examination included assessment of the animals’ general condition, appetite, activity, and other clinical signs. Animals were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the study to assess body weight gain.
The obtained data were processed using IBM SPSS Statistics and R statistical software. The following methods were used to analyse the data. Descriptive statistics were applied, including calculation of mean values, standard deviations, medians, and ranges. This provided an overview of the distribution of the data and identified major trends in infestation rates and animal health status.
Correlation analysis was conducted to identify the relationship between infestation levels and animal health indicators such as weight gain and clinical signs. This helped to establish possible relationships between different variables and to understand how the level of infestation affects the overall health of the animals. In addition, multiple regression was used to determine the contribution of each component of the drug to the overall efficacy. This method allowed us to assess which components of the drug had the most significant effect on reducing infestation levels and improving animal health.
All animal manipulations were carried out in accordance with the European Convention11 for the Protection of Vertebrate Animals Used for Experimental and Other Scientific Purposes and the Universal Declaration12 on Animal Welfare. All farm owners provided written consent for the participation of their animals in the study. Thus, this study covered all aspects of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of parasitic infestations in sheep, which allowed obtaining reliable and substantiated results on the efficacy of the developed drug.
RESULT:
Initial diagnostic results showed that 68% of lambs and 45% of adult ewes were infected with eimeria oocysts (Table 1). These data indicate that eimeriosis is a serious threat to young animals that have low immune defences.
Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infections were also high, with rates of 55% in lambs and 40% in adult sheep. This indicates the high prevalence of these nematode infections in the region and the need to develop integrated control strategies. Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis are known to cause severe intestinal damage, resulting in reduced overall animal performance and poor animal health.
Copro-voscopy showed the presence of Eimeria oocysts in 68% of samples from lambs and in 45% of samples from adult sheep. Faecal samples from infected animals showed oocysts characteristic of eimeriosis, which were oval or spherical and contained one or more sporocysts. The high concentration of oocysts in faeces indicated a significant degree of invasion and intensive multiplication of parasites in the animals13,14. This confirmed that lambs, with their less developed immune systems, were more susceptible to this infection.
Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestations were also significant. Strongylate and trichocephalous nematode eggs were found in 55% of samples from lambs and 40% of samples from adult sheep. Strongylate eggs had a characteristic oval shape with a thin shell and contained nematode germ stages. The eggs of trichocephalous nematodes were barrel-shaped with corks at both ends, which was a typical feature of these parasites. The high concentration of eggs in faeces indicated a high intensity of infection and active reproduction of parasites in the intestines of animals.
Table 1. Oocyst infestation rates of eimeria, strongylates and trichocephalus in adult lambs on control days of the study without treatment
|
Group |
Research Day |
Infected with eimeriosis (%) |
Infected with strongylatosis (%) |
Infected with trichocephalosis (%) |
|
Experimental group |
Day 0 |
68 (lambs)/45 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Day 15 |
17 (lambs)/10 (adults) |
15 (lambs)/10 (adults) |
15 (lambs)/10 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Day 30 |
0 (lambs)/0 (adults) |
5 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
5 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Day 0 |
68 (lambs)/45 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Day 15 |
54 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
45 (lambs)/35 (adults) |
45 (lambs)/35 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Day 30 |
45 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
40 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
40 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
Table 2. Comparison of eimeria, strongylate and trichocephalus oocysts infestation rates in adult lambs on control days of the study with standard treatment and use of the developed preparation
|
Group |
Research Day |
Infected with eimeriosis (%) |
Infected with strongylatosis (%) |
Infected with trichocephalosis (%) |
|
Experimental group |
Day 0 |
68 (lambs)/45 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Day 15 |
17 (lambs)/10 (adults) |
15 (lambs)/10 (adults) |
15 (lambs)/10 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Day 30 |
0 (lambs)/0 (adults) |
5 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
5 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Day 0 |
68 (lambs)/45 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Day 15 |
54 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
45 (lambs)/35 (adults) |
45 (lambs)/35 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Day 30 |
45 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
40 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
40 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
Histological analysis confirmed the copro-voscopic data and revealed significant inflammatory changes in intestinal tissue of infected animals. Intestinal wall thickening, villous atrophy and infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in eimeriosis-infected sheep. These pathological changes indicated a severe course of the disease and its negative impact on the general condition of the animals. Inflammatory processes in the intestine caused by strongylates and trichocephalus were also pronounced, indicating severe disturbances in the digestive system of infected animals. These changes included mucosal hyperplasia, eosinophilic infiltration and tissue necrosis, which significantly impaired the ability of animals to digest food normally.
Clinical examination of the animals confirmed the results of laboratory tests. Infected sheep showed decreased appetite, apathy, weight loss and wool deterioration. These clinical signs were particularly pronounced in lambs, which showed marked weakness, growth retardation and significantly reduced viability due to high levels of infection. Young animals infected with eimeria often suffered from diarrhoea, which further worsened their condition and led to dehydration. Adult ewes also showed decreased appetite and productivity, which negatively affected their reproductive capacity and overall flock performance.
Additionally, data were collected on factors contributing to the spread of infections. Analyses of animal housing conditions showed that farms with higher stocking densities and insufficient sanitation had higher levels of infestation. This emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to sanitation standards and regular disinfection of facilities to prevent the spread of parasitic infections.
The efficacy of the developed preparation was evaluated by repeated copro-voscopic examinations performed on the 15th and 30th day of treatment. The results of these studies are presented in Table 2.
On the 15th day of treatment in the experimental group, the level of eimeriosis infection in lambs decreased to 17%, and in adult sheep — to 10%. Infestation with strongylatosis and trichocephalosis also significantly decreased: up to 15% in lambs and up to 10% in adult sheep. These data indicate the high efficiency of the drug already at the early stages of treatment. At this stage of treatment, the animals showed a marked improvement in their general condition, a reduction of clinical signs of infections such as diarrhoea, apathy and weakness. The animals became more active, which indicated the beginning of the recovery process.
By the end of the 30-day treatment period, the level of eimeriosis infestation in the experimental group decreased to 0% in both lambs and adult sheep, indicating complete elimination of the infection. Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestations also decreased to 5% in both lambs and adult sheep, indicating a significant reduction in the population of these parasites. At this stage, the animals showed complete absence of clinical signs of diseases, improved wool and skin condition, increased body weight and general activity.
In the control group, which received standard treatment, the dynamics of reduction of infection level was much less pronounced. On day 15, the eimeriosis infection rate decreased to 54% in lambs and 40% in adult ewes. By the end of the study, eimeriosis infestation remained at 45% in lambs and 30% in adult ewes. Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infections also decreased slightly and remained at 40% in lambs and 30% in adult sheep by the end of the study. Animals in the control group showed only marginal improvement, with many continuing to suffer from diarrhoea, weakness, and weight loss. Overall activity remained low, and weight gain was minimal.
Clinical examination of the animals in the experimental group showed a significant improvement in their general condition compared to the control group. The animals became more active, their appetite improved, and they showed healthy wool and skin. Body weight gain in lambs in the experimental group averaged 15 per cent and in adult ewes 10 per cent. In the control group, body weight gain was only 5% in lambs and 3% in adult ewes. These data confirm the positive effect of the developed preparation on the general state of animal health.
Table 3. Comparison of prophylaxis efficacy indices by standard treatment and experimental drug
|
Group |
Month of the study |
Infected with eimeriosis (%) |
Infected with strongylatosis (%) |
Infected with trichocephalosis (%) |
|
Experimental group |
Month 0 |
68 (lambs)/45 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Month 2 |
10 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
8 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
8 (lambs)/5 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Month 4 |
5 (lambs)/2 (adults) |
3 (lambs)/2 (adults) |
3 (lambs)/2 (adults) |
|
Experimental group |
Month 6 |
0 (lambs)/0 (adults) |
0 (lambs)/0 (adults) |
0 (lambs)/0 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Month 0 |
68 (lambs)/45 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
55 (lambs)/40 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Month 2 |
50 (lambs)/35 (adults) |
45 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
45 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Month 4 |
45 (lambs)/30 (adults) |
40 (lambs)/25 (adults) |
40 (lambs)/25 (adults) |
|
Control group |
Month 6 |
40 (lambs)/25 (adults) |
35 (lambs)/20 (adults) |
35 (lambs)/20 (adults) |
Animals treated with the new drug also showed a significant reduction in clinical signs of infection, such as diarrhoea, weakness, and apathy. In the control group, these signs persisted throughout the study period, confirming the lack of efficacy of the standard treatment. In the experimental group, the animals showed a high level of activity, normalization of appetite and improvement of general condition. The wool of the animals became shiny and healthy, indicating good general health and the absence of internal parasites. The lambs, previously suffering from stunting and weakness, began to actively gain weight and develop at a normal rate.
In the control group, despite improvement in some parameters, many animals continued to show signs of infection. Diarrhoea and weakness persisted in a significant number of animals, indicating that the standard treatment was not effective enough. These animals remained less active, and their coats remained dull and brittle, indicating the continued negative impact of the parasites on their bodies.
The effectiveness of preventive measures was evaluated by conducting regular copro-voscopic examinations every two months. The results are shown in Table 3.
At the initial stage, high levels of eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis were observed in both groups. In the experimental group, two months after the start of preventive measures, eimeriosis infestation decreased to 10 per cent in lambs and 5 per cent in adult sheep. Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestation also decreased to 8% and 5%, respectively. These data indicate high efficiency of the drug already at the early stages of prophylaxis.
By the fourth month, infection rates continued to decline to 5% in lambs and 2% in adult ewes for eimeriosis, and similar values for other infections. This indicates a sustained reduction in infestation levels due to regular application of the drug. The animals in the experimental group showed improved general condition, increased activity and improved appetite. The wool of the sheep became healthier and shinier, which is an indicator of good health.
By the end of the six-month prophylaxis period in the experimental group, the level of infection with all three infections decreased to 0% in both lambs and adult sheep. This indicates the full effectiveness of the developed prophylactic preparation in preventing parasitic infections. The animals showed high activity, normal appetite and good general condition. Lambs showed good weight gain, developed at a normal rate and showed no signs of infections.
In the control group, which received standard preventive measures, the infection rate remained significantly higher. After two months, eimeriosis infestation had only decreased to 50 per cent in lambs and 35 per cent in adult sheep. Strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestations also decreased slightly. By the sixth month, the eimeriosis infection rate in the control group was 40 per cent in lambs and 25 per cent in adult sheep, confirming that the standard preventive measures were not effective enough.
Preventive measures also had a positive effect on the general condition of the animals in the experimental group. Sheep showed a high level of activity, good appetite and healthy wool appearance. Body weight gain in lambs averaged 18% and in adult sheep 12%. In the control group, the body weight gain was much lower, being 6 per cent in lambs and 4 per cent in adult ewes. These data confirm the positive effect of the developed prophylactic preparation on the general state of health of animals and their productivity.
Animals in the experimental group showed no clinical signs of parasitic infections throughout the study period, indicating high prophylactic efficacy of the drug. Episodes of diarrhoea, decreased appetite and activity were observed in the control group, indicating the continued presence of parasites and negative impact on animal health. The wool of animals in the control group remained dull and brittle, indicating insufficient general health.
Regular application of the developed preparation in the experimental group provided stable prophylactic protection against parasitic infections, which is confirmed by the absence of infestation by the end of the six-month period. The animals remained healthy and active, and showed good weight gain and excellent general condition. In the control group, despite compliance with standard prophylactic measures, the level of infestation remained high, and the general condition of the animals deteriorated, indicating insufficient effectiveness of such measures.
Descriptive statistics included the calculation of mean values, standard deviations, medians, and ranges for infestation and animal health indicators in both groups. The results are presented in Table 4.
Student's t-test made it possible to compare the mean values of infection rates and body weight gain between the two groups and to determine whether the observed differences were statistically significant. The results of the t-test showed that the differences in the levels of eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestation and body weight gain between the experimental and control groups were statistically significant (p<0.05). This confirms the high efficiency of the developed preparation in comparison with traditional methods of prevention and treatment.
Correlation analysis showed a strong negative correlation between the level of parasite infestation and body weight gain (r=-0.75), indicating a significant negative effect of parasitic infections on the physical condition of animals. In the experimental group, a positive correlation was observed between the application of the drug and the improvement of the animals' condition (r=0.85), which emphasizes the high efficiency of preventive measures.
Multiple regression allowed us to evaluate the effect of each component of the preparation on reduction of infestation level and improvement of the animal condition. The results of regression analysis showed that coccidin and toltrazuril, as well as herbal components (tansy and wormwood) made the greatest contribution to the reduction of infestation level. These components demonstrated high antiparasitic activity and promoted rapid recovery of the affected tissues.
It was shown that the developed anti-emeriosis drug significantly exceeds standard methods of prophylaxis and treatment in its effectiveness. The use of the preparation led to a significant reduction in the level of parasitic infections, an improvement of the general state of health of animals and an increase in body weight gain. These results confirm the expediency of the wide application of the developed preparation in sheep farms to increase productivity and improve animal health.
DISCUSSION:
The obtained results demonstrate the high efficiency of the developed anti-eimeriosis preparation for the treatment and prevention of parasitic infestations in sheep. In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in the level of eimeriosis, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestation. On the 30th day of treatment, the level of eimeriosis infestation in the experimental group decreased to 0% in both lambs and adult sheep. In the control group receiving standard treatment, the infection rate remained significantly higher. These results are in agreement with the studies of Seyoum et al.15 and Legesse et al.16, who also found high efficacy of multicomponent preparations in the control of eimeriosis in sheep. In the work of Özüiçli et al.17, the authors emphasized that the combination of chemical and herbal components provides a synergistic effect, significantly increasing the overall effectiveness of treatment. The data of the above study confirm these conclusions, demonstrating that the multi-component approach indeed allows achieving better results than traditional treatment methods.
Prophylactic application of the developed preparation in the experimental group showed excellent results, ensuring complete absence of parasitic infections by the end of the six-month period. Regular application of the preparation led to a reduction in the level of eimeriosis infection to 0% by the fourth month of the study. In the control group, where standard prophylactic measures were used, the infection rate remained significantly higher. Studies by Keidāne et al.18 and Bello et al.19 confirm that regular prophylaxis using multicomponent preparations is effective in maintaining herd health and preventing outbreaks of parasitic infections. The results of the study in the Republic of Kazakhstan confirm these conclusions and show that the introduction of the developed drug in preventive practice can significantly improve animal health and increase herd productivity.
Table 4. Descriptive statistics of infestation and animal health indicators in experimental and control groups
|
Group |
Indicator |
Average value |
Standard deviation |
Median |
Range |
|
Experimental group |
Infected with eimeriosis (%) |
5.0 |
3.5 |
0 |
0-17 |
|
Experimental group |
Infected with strongylatosis (%) |
6.5 |
3.8 |
5 |
0-15 |
|
Experimental group |
Infected with trichocephalosis (%) |
6.5 |
3.8 |
5 |
0-15 |
|
Experimental group |
Body weight gain (%) |
12.5 |
4.5 |
15 |
5-18 |
|
Control group |
Infected with eimeriosis (%) |
39.5 |
10.3 |
40 |
25-54 |
|
Control group |
Infected with strongylatosis (%) |
32.5 |
9.5 |
35 |
20-45 |
|
Control group |
Infected with trichocephalosis (%) |
32.5 |
9.5 |
35 |
20-45 |
|
Control group |
Body weight gain (%) |
5.5 |
1.8 |
6 |
3-8 |
The experimental group showed a significant improvement in the general health of the animals. Body weight gain in lambs averaged 15%, and in adult sheep — 10%. In the control group, body weight gain was significantly lower, indicating the negative impact of parasitic infections on animal health. The animals in the experimental group also showed a high level of activity, improved appetite and wool condition. Similar results were obtained in the studies of Bordes et al.20 and Štrbac et al.21, who noted the improvement of health and productivity of sheep when using complex antiparasitic preparations. The data obtained in the Republic of Kazakhstan confirm these conclusions, demonstrating that the developed preparation not only effectively combats parasites, but also contributes to the overall improvement of animal health.
The results of the above study are also consistent with the data obtained in the studies of other scientists. Studies by Beltrame et al.22 and Varga et al.23 show that multicomponent preparations including plant extracts have high efficacy against parasitic infections in farm animals. Sodi et al.24 note that plant components enhance the effect of chemical substances and promote rapid recovery of affected tissues. The study of effective methods of treatment and prevention of strongylatosis-trichocephalus-eimeriosis infestation of sheep also confirmed the high efficiency of plant components, such as tansy, wormwood and yarrow, which were included in the composition of the preparation.
In addition, it seems critical to study possible side effects and their minimization to ensure maximum safety of the drug. Bagulo et al.25 note that research may also include the development and testing of similar multicomponent preparations for other types of farm animals. In the work of Martins et al.26, the authors showed that multicomponent preparations are effective in controlling parasitic infections in cattle and pigs. The results of the study in Kazakhstan show that the developed preparation can be adapted for use in other animal species.
Analysis of the economic efficiency of the developed preparation is also of interest for further research. Reducing the level of parasitic infections, improving animal health and productivity, can significantly reduce the costs of veterinary services and increase farm incomes27,28,29. In studies by Buonfrate et al.30 and Carneiro et al.31, the authors showed that the use of effective antiparasitic drugs leads to significant cost savings by reducing animal morbidity and mortality. These data confirm that the introduction of the developed drug can contribute to the economic efficiency of sheep farms, which is an essential aspect for the widespread use of the drug in practice.
Additional analyses of the results showed that the use of plant components in the formulation of the developed drug played a key role in its effectiveness. Plant extracts, such as antiparasitic extracts of tansy and bitter wormwood, have strong antiparasitic properties that enhance the action of the chemical substances included in the preparation32,33,34. These components not only help to kill parasites, but also reduce inflammation in the animal’s body, which promotes faster recovery. In the studies of Murshed et al.35 and Abdel-Gaber et al.36, the authors also noted that the use of plant extracts in veterinary drugs can reduce toxicity and the risk of resistance development in parasites. The data from the above study support these conclusions, showing that plant components can be an effective addition to traditional antiparasitic agents.
In addition, the results of the study confirm that an integrated approach to the treatment of parasitic infections is the most effective. The use of a multi-component preparation, including both chemical and herbal ingredients, provided a high degree of protection of animals from parasites. This is consistent with the results of Stephanie et al.37 and Albuquerque et al.38, which showed that the use of complex preparations significantly improves the results of treatment compared to mono-drugs.
The results echo the studies of Voigt et al.39 and Salehi et al.40, who noted that regular prophylaxis is a key factor in maintaining animal health and preventing economic losses associated with disease. This confirms the need to implement preventive programmes based on the developed drug to ensure long-term protection of the herd.
Thus, the conducted research demonstrates the high efficiency of the developed anti-emeriosis preparation both in treatment and prevention of parasitic infections in sheep. The obtained results confirm the expediency of its wide application in sheep farms to improve the health and productivity of animals. The introduction of the preparation will significantly reduce the level of parasite infestation, improve the general health of the flock and increase the economic efficiency of farms.
CONCLUSION:
As a result of the study, it was found that the developed multi-component antiparasitic preparation is highly effective in the treatment and prevention of parasitic infections of intussusception in sheep in the conditions of farms of the Abai region, Kazakhstan. Coprovoscopic studies showed that in the experimental group receiving the new drug, the level of eimeriosis infection decreased from 68% to 0%, indicating the complete elimination of this infestation infection. In addition, strongylatosis and trichocephalosis infestation also decreased significantly, totalling only 5% by the end of the study, which is significantly lower than in the control group, where these values remained at 40% and 30%, respectively. It is critical to note that the improvement of the general state of health of animals in the experimental group was expressed in the increase of body weight gain by 15% in lambs and by 10% in adult sheep, while in the control group, the body weight gain was only 5% and 3%, respectively. Practical results of the study confirmed the feasibility of using this drug in Kazakhstan to combat parasitic infections, which can lead to improved health and productivity of sheep. The results of the study show that the introduction of the drug can significantly reduce the cost of treatment and prevention of infections, as well as increase the overall level of productivity of the flock.
These results confirm that the use of the new preparation not only effectively eliminates parasitic infections, but also significantly improves the physical condition of animals, which leads to an increase in their productivity and, consequently, the economic profitability of sheep breeding. The preparation demonstrated high prophylactic efficiency, preventing re-infection throughout the study period, which makes it promising for widespread use in farms in Kazakhstan.
Limitations of the study are that it was conducted in the specific conditions of the Abai region, which requires caution in extending the findings to other regions of the country with different climatic and environmental conditions. In addition, attention should be paid to the study of possible side effects during long-term use of the drug to ensure its maximum safety for animals.
To improve the results obtained, additional studies should be conducted in the future to optimize the dosage and mode of application of the drug in different climatic and environmental conditions of Kazakhstan. It is also important to investigate the possibility of using this drug for other types of farm animals and assess its long-term effects. The development of a state support programme for farmers to introduce such antiparasitic agents would also contribute to improved animal health and economic efficiency of sheep breeding.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST:
The authors have no conflicts of interest regarding this investigation.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
This research has been funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant No. AP22686900).
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Received on 01.08.2025 Revised on 20.01.2026 Accepted on 21.04.2026 Published on 20.05.2026 Available online from May 25, 2026 Research J. Pharmacy and Technology. 2026;19(5):1977-1985. DOI: 10.52711/0974-360X.2026.00283 © RJPT All right reserved
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