Nematodi gastrointestinali dei piccoli ruminanti: note di epidemiologia ed impatto economico

An insight into the epidemiology and economic impact of gastro-intestinal nematodes in small ruminants. Milk production has been a distinguishing characteristic of sheep breeding since antiquity in Mediterranean area, including Italy, where prehistoric findings confirm this particular husbandry activity. In Homer's Odissey, the description of Polifemo's sheep flock organization is remarkably similar to current production systems. The ancient roots of this tradition have grown into an important economic reality, with excellent levels of milk production and approximately 65 typical cheeses. It is interesting to note that the Italian word "pecora" (sheep) is believed to have originated from the Latin "pecunia" (money). Although heavy production losses are due to parasitic infections, only 250 papers have been published in the last 50 years in Italy on sheep parasites. Differences in climate, environmental factors and production techniques may influence infection prevalence, load and pathogenesis. For this reason, prevention must be aimed at the particular epidemiological situation and not simply adapted from current schemes used abroad. The aim of this paper is to illustrate the epidemiology of ovine gastro-intestinal nematodes in Italy and to evaluate the economic importance of their control.