Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep kept in organic farms in Western Pomerania

The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and intensity of infection and the species composition of gastrointestinal parasites in selected sheep breeds kept on organic farms in Western Pomerania. The study included a total of 157 sheep representing five breeds (Heidschnucke, Coburger Fuchsschaf, Pomeranian, Suffolk, and Cameroon), kept on two organic farms in Poland and one in Germany. The results indicate differences in the level of gastrointestinal parasite infection among the examined breed-farm groups. However, due to the complete confounding of breed and farm, it is not possible to unambiguously determine the effect of breed on the level of infection. Effective parasite control in organic farms should take into account the specific characteristics of individual flocks and be based on regular parasitological monitoring and the rational, targeted use of antiparasitic treatment.