Global Veterinaria 13 (4): 530-533, 2014 ISSN 1992-6197 © IDOSI Publications, 2014 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.13.04.85207 Corresponding Author: Kouidri Mokhtaria, Institute of veterinary science, Ibn-Khaldoun University of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria. Tel: +213-772-157-150, Fax: +213 46 42 71 61. 530 Lungworm Infections in Sheep Slaughtered in Tiaret Abattoir (Algeria) Kouidri Mokhtaria, Selles Sidi Mohammed Ammar, Boulkaboul Aboud, 1 1, 2 1 Aissi Miriem, Meliani Samia, Nkundwanayo Canesuis and Khelil Chahrazed 3 1 1 1 Institute of Veterinary Science, Ibn-Khaldoun University of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria 1 Laboratory of Research on Local Animal Products, 2 Ibn-Khaldoun University of Tiaret, Tiaret 14000, Algeria National Higher Veterinary School of Algiers, BP 161 Hacène Badi, EL Harrach, Algiers, Algeria 3 Abstract: The aim of this study was to estimated the prevalence and identification of species of lungworm infection in sheep slaughtered in Tiaret abattoir from December 2011 to November 2012. Post mortem examination was conducted on 1433 animals and laboratory work was done on 100 rejected lungs for lungworm infections to identifying parasite species. Results: 318 sheep were found to be positive for lungworm infections with an overall prevalence of 22%. There was a higher statistically significant difference (P=0.0000) observed between female and male animals with prevalence of 27% and 12%, respectively. The older animals were more affected, than the younger’s ones (P=0.0000). The prevalence of species of lungworm identified were Muellerius cappilaris (40%), Protostrongylus rufescens (27%), Dictyocaulus filaria (28%) and 5% of mixed infections. This study showed high prevalence of lungworm infections in the study area implying the need for control intervention. Key words: Lungworm Infection Sheep Muellerius Cappilaris Protostrongylus rufescens Dictyocaulus filaria Abattoir Tiaret Algeria INTRODUCTION (P. rufescens and M. capillaries). D. filaria has a direct Sheep play a vital role as sources of meat, milk and wool for smallholder’s keepers in different farming systems and agro-ecological zones of country [1], but endoparasitics infections and management problems are known to be the main factors that affect productivity [2]. Lungworms are commonly found in sheep and they are an important problem for sheep breeders throughout the world [3, 4]. These parasitic nematodes are known for infection of the lower respiratory tract, characterized by respiratory distress, trachitis, bronchitis and pneumonia [5]. The three respiratory parasites that cause a significant damage in small ruminant production are D. filaria, P. rufescens and M. capillaries [3]. These helminthes belong to two super family, Trichostrogyloidea (D. filaria) and Metastrongyloidea life cycle, whereas, M. capillaries and P. rufescens have indirect life cycles [6]. M. capillaries and P. rufescens occur in the alveoli, bronchioles and parenchyma of the lungs of various species of mammals. D. filaria is located in respiratory passages of lungs [3]. These lungworms, particularly D. filaria can suppress the immunity of the respiratory tract [7] and causes death, poor weight as well as greatly affects the potential productivity of the industry in the area where it is prevalent [1, 8]. Few studies have been conducted in Algeria to indicate the prevalence of lungworm infection in sheep. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the prevalence of lungworms infection in sheep slaughtered in Tiaret abattoir, the effects of age, sex and identifying the major lungworm species circulating in this region.