Abstract
Hemonchosis is a very common disease in small ruminants caused by Haemonchuscontortus, a blood sucking parasite causing anaemia that may be fatal particularly to young animals. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Haemonchusspp in slaughtered goats at Taif abattoir located in the KSA. A total of 351abomasum from slaughtered animals were examined from March 2012 to August 2013. The result revealed that the percent of infestation with Haemonchusspp was higher in imported breed (9.18%) than in native breed (5.16%). The percent of infection were 5.34% and 4.17 % in male and female goats respectively. Relationship between age and rate of infestation with haemonchosis were found (4.17), (7.14), (8.69) and (3.75) percent in native breed goats aged, 6-12 month,1-1.5 years,1.5-2 years and over 2 years respectively. While, the rate of the infestation was found (9.30), (8.33), (12.96) and (3.70) percent in imported breed goats aged, 6-12 month,1-1.5 years,1.5-2 years and over 2 years respectively. Seasonal incidence revealed that the highest percentage was recorded during summer season (12.5), while the lowest was recorded during the Spring season (4.20). The relationship between total incidence and months showed that the highest was recorded in July (17.14) and the lowest percent was in April (1.64). On microscopic examination, infiltration of mononuclear cells and eosinophils in gastric glands, periglandular hyperemia and hemorrhage, mucous gland hyperplasia, connective tissue proliferation and necrosis were observed.