Question:

Given below are two statements.

Statement I: Periparturient rise (PPR) in faecal strongyle egg counts results due to temporary relaxation in immunity of sheep.

Statement II: PPR is important as it occurs at a time when the numbers of new susceptible hosts are increasing and so it ensures the survival and propagation of the worm species.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

Show Hint

Remember the sequence: Late pregnancy $\rightarrow$ Temporary relaxation of immunity $\rightarrow$ Rise in strongyle egg output $\rightarrow$ Pasture contamination $\rightarrow$ Infection of newborn lambs. PPR is an important epidemiological event in sheep parasitology.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
  • Both Statement I and Statement II are false.
  • Statement I is true but Statement II is false.
  • Statement I is false but Statement II is true.
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Periparturient rise (PPR) is a temporary increase in faecal egg counts of gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep and goats during the period immediately before and after parturition.
It is mainly associated with a transient reduction in the ewe's immunity, allowing adult worms to produce more eggs.
Detailed Explanation:
Statement I:
During late pregnancy and early lactation, the immune response of sheep is temporarily suppressed because of hormonal and nutritional changes.
This relaxation of acquired immunity increases the fecundity of strongyle worms, leading to a marked rise in faecal egg counts.
Hence, Statement I is true.
Statement II:
The periparturient period coincides with the birth of lambs, which are highly susceptible to parasitic infections.
The increased shedding of strongyle eggs contaminates pasture, producing infective larvae that readily infect these young hosts.
Thus, PPR plays an important epidemiological role in ensuring the survival and propagation of the parasite population.
Therefore, Statement II is true.

Step 2: Final Answer:

Both Statement I and Statement II are true.
\[ \boxed{(A) Both Statement I and Statement II are true. \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0