Species diversity of nematodes in domestic and wild ruminants of Armenia.

The review provides data on species composition of nematode parasites of cattle, sheep, goats and wild ruminants (Ovis orientalis gmelini, Capreolus capreolus, Capra aegagrus aegagrus) of Armenia. Six species of lung nematodes and 22 species of gastrointestinal ones have been registered in ruminants of Armenia. Five of the species listed in the review (Protostrongylus davtiani, Protostrongylus muraschkinzewi, Nematodirus davtiani, Trichostrongylus andreevi, Trichostrongylus skrjabini) have been first identified in Armenia. The ruminant host species most studied for this territory is a domestic sheep. Data on nematodes of goats and wild ruminants are limited to sporadic reports. Data on nematodes of cattle are limited to the only one species – Neoascaris vitulorum. Most of the nematode species found in Armenia are common for all ruminant host species living here and noted as widespread all over the world. Eight species of nematodes detected in ruminants of Armenia able to infect humans. The taxonomy of some rare species of nematodes reported from ruminants in Armenia is not entirely clear and should be re-evaluated basing on thorough studies.