Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants in and around Shivamogga and assessment of their risk factors

Abstract

The study was carried out for a period of two years from October 2015 to September 2017 with an objective of studying the prevalence and seasonal variation of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in small ruminants. A total of 1120 faecal samples which includes sheep (620) and goats (500) in and around Shivamogga - a malnad region of Karnataka were screened by direct, sedimentation and flotation methods. Among 1120 samples screened, 67.23% animals were found positive for GI parasitic infections. Upon coprological examination, the different GI parasites recorded were Strongyle spp, Eimeria spp, Trichuris spp, Amphistome spp, Fasciola spp, Moniezia spp and mixed GI parasites. Statistically, there was not much significant difference observed between the GI parasitic infection level in sheep (69.35%) and goats (64.60%). However, statistically there was a significant higher prevalence of GI parasitic infection of 83.02% in sheep and 76.74% in Goats were recorded in south west monsoon (rainy) season compared to other seasons. The higher prevalence rate of 81.65% in sheep and 75% in goats were observed in young ones up to 6 months of age than those of more than 6 months age. Among sex wise prevalence of GI parasitic infections, females showed higher prevalence of 79.82% in sheep and 72.75% in goats compared to their male counterparts.