The anthelmintic efficacy of 2.0% albendazol, 2.55% levamisol chloridrate and 0.08% ivermectin formulation to 1% moxidectin in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes was compared. Twenty-four animals were selected by faecal egg counts (FEC) means, composing three experimental groups with eight sheep each: T1, sheep treated with albendazol, levamisol and ivermectin association; T2, sheep treated with 1% moxidectin and T3, untreated group. FEC was estimated at 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th day post-treatment. All animals were slaughtered at 7th day post-treatment to quantify and identify the nematode burden. The association was 100% effective against eight of ten helminth species (Cooperia punctata, C. pectinata, C. curticei, C. spatulata, Strongyloides papillosus, Trichostrongylus axei, Oesophagostomum columbianum and Trichuris ovis), while the moxidectin removed only six of these species. It also had superior efficacy against Haemonchus contortus (93%) when compared to the 1% moxidectin (51.4%). Both formulations showed similar efficacy against Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Therefore, the anthelmintic association can be an alternative on sheep nematodiosis control.
anthelminthics; control; sheep nematodiosis
