Incidence and Haematological Effects of Ectoparasitic Infestation and Fungal Skin Infections in Sheep and Goats in Sulaimani Province/ Iraq

This comprehensive research examines the incidence, seasonal variations, and haematological impacts of ectoparasitic and fungal skin diseases in sheep and goats in Sulaimani province, Kurdistan Region/Iraq. The study examined 63 mixed flocks and found that ticks were the primary ectoparasite affecting sheep (65.3%), while lice were the main infestation in goats (14.15%). Seasonal research revealed a surge in dermatological conditions throughout the spring season, which reached (66.64%) in sheep and (16.78) in goats. Blood samples were taken from a jugular vein in all infected animals and placed in anticoagulant tube (EDTA), the amount of one drop of blood in all samples examined by the blood analyzer for packed cell volume (PCV), total leukocyte count (WBC), total red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin (Hb), and differential leukocyte count (DLC). Blood samples were transferred to centrifuge for 3500(Gravity converter) for 8 minutes to separate serum. Significantly, the study determined a threshold value for notable alterations in blood parameters, especially eosinophil and neutrophil, which could potentially be used as a diagnostic indicator for these diseases. This study highlights the health difficulties that small ruminants face as a result of skin diseases. It proposes that changes in blood parameters can serve as a diagnostic reference point, thus improving disease management techniques in the agricultural industry.