Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in western zone of Punjab, India

Abstract

Aim:The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in small ruminants in relation to various risk factors in the western zone of Punjab.Materials and Methods:During the study, 603 fecal samples (391 of sheep and 212 of goats) were examined qualitatively by floatation and sedimentation techniques, and quantitatively by McMaster technique.Results:Out of the 603 fecal (391 sheep and 212 goats) samples examined, 501 were found positive for endoparasitic infection with an overall prevalence of 83.08%, consisting of 85.16% and 79.24% in sheep and goats, respectively. Egg per gram in sheep was apparently more 1441.88±77.72 than goats 1168.57±78.31. The associated risk factors with the prevalence of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites showed that females (85.97%) were significantly more susceptible than males (69.23%). Age wise the adults (>6 months) were significantly more prone to parasitic infection as compared to young ones (<6 months). Seasonal variation was recorded throughout the year and was significantly highest during monsoon (90.10%), followed by winter (83.84%) and summer (78.35%).Conclusion:The study revealed an overall prevalence of 83.08% of GIT parasitic infections in small ruminants constituting 85.16% in sheep and 79.24% in goats in the western zone of Punjab. The most relevant risk factors for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in ruminants were sex, age, and season.

Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Helminths of Sheep in Aeolian Plains of Haryana

“…On the other hand, young animals are less affected by parasitic infections due to consumption of less amount of vegetation and less exposure for grazing as they mainly depend upon milk feeding. Our findings were in concordance with Singh et al (2017); Yadav et al (2006); and Emiru et al, (2013) who recorded a higher prevalence of infection in adults than young ones. Gupta et al (2013) and Sutar and Khan (2011).…”

Prevalence of Haemonchus contortus Infections in Sheep and Goats in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

“…This phenomenon of high nematode prevalence is not new in tropical countries. Similarly high levels of nematode infection like 83.08%, 88.9%, and even 100% have been reported in India, Rwanda, and Pakistan, respectively [ 3 , 22 , 28 ]. In the present study, sheep and goats were raised under an extensive management system, in mostly low-lying pastures where stocking densities were high, nutrition was limited, and veterinary care was almost nonexistent.…”

“…Overall prevalence of H. contortus infection in small ruminants has been reported variably by different studies from as low as 52.7 to over 83% [ 13 , 15 , 16 , 21 , 22 ]. One Ethiopian study reported a prevalence of 67.2% and 56.6% in sheep and goats, respectively [ 16 ], indicating greater susceptibility of sheep.…”

Prevalence of Melophagus ovinus and Bovicola ovis infestation in sheep in Wogera District, North Gondar Zone, Ethiopia

“…It was documented that the effects of ectoparasite infestations are more pronounced in heavy and mixed infestations [30][31][32]. Thus, this high dual infestation of M. ovinus and B. ovis in sheep in this study suggests that the effects of infestations were so pronounced on the animals.…”