Fróðskaparrit - 31.12.2000, Page 189

SNIKAR A SEYðl I FØROYUM
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not found. This is a positive finding, as it is
considered to be a very important parasite
in sheep.
In general, the results indicate that para-
sites in sheep are widespread in the Faroe
Islands, and that their importance is not to
be underestimated. Most farmers treat their
sheep with anti-parasitic drugs two to three
weeks before lambing to reduce the peri-
parturient egg rise in mid-summer, and in
the autumn as well to free the sheep from
parasites before the winter.
Some farmers treat their animals in win-
ter, but the present study suggests that this
is not necessary, although there seems to be
high numbers of both Dictyocaulus filaria
and Muellerius capillaris larvae in faeces
(Fig. 6). The solution might be that farm-
ers could use anthelmintics if sheep are
coughing or if faecal samples are positive.
In general, the recommendations are that
faecal examinations should be used more
frequently in connection with anti-parasitic
treatment. Strategic management and anti-
parasitic medication do play an important
role in lowering the risk of both clinical and
sub-clinical parasitism.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank the Føroya Landsstýri (the Faroese
Govemment) for financial support; Jesper Monrad,
Denmark; Sigurður H. Richter, Iceland; Eric Hoberg,
USA; Jústines Olsen, Elsu Petersen, and Dorete Bloch,
Faroe Islands for scientific support; and Lynda M. Gib-
bons, Department of Pathology and Infectious Diseases,
The Royal Veterinary College, University of London,
who verified identification of Teladorsagia circumcinc-
ta, T. davtiani, T. trifurcata, Trichostrongylus axei, T.
vitrinus, Nematodirus battus, N. filicollis, Trichuris
ovis, Oesophagostomum venulosum, and Dictyocaulus
fúaria.
I am also grateful to Jákup L. Samuelsen for techni-
cal assistance, and to the farmers who provided me with
the material that made this work possible.
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