Evaluation of Haematological parameters in sheep infested with ticks in Sulaimani region

Abstract

The study was carried out during summer months in the year 2012 in Sulaimani governorate to evaluate the effect of tick infestation on hematological parameters of sheep. Ticks were collected from 71out of 128 sheep and preserved in 70% alcohol for identification. Blood samples were collected from jugular vein into tubes containing anticoagulant for estimation of hematological parameters. Two species of ticks were identified; they were Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum and H. marginatum. The total red blood cells, packed cells volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and platelets count were in infested sheep significantly lower than non-infested ones. Although the hemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume values in infested sheep were lower than normal non- infested sheep but it was statistically not significant. The total white blood cell count was significantly higher in infested sheep than non-infested ones.