Prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites in goats in different districts of Assam

Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism in animals is one of the major problems in India causing emaciation, anaemia, oedema, weakness, diarrhoea and death. Present study was designed to generate prevalence data on GI parasitism of goats in 25 different districts comprising 6 climatic zones of Assam, India. During 24 months study period, out of 2202 faecal samples examined, 1240 were found to be positive for gastrointestinal parasites (prevalence 56.31%) and the highest prevalence recorded was 88.99% in Goalpara district and lowest 13.89% in Dima Hasao district. According to breed, highest prevalence was recorded in Beetal (65.76%) followed by Sirohi (56.16%) and Assam Hill Goat (54.95%). Age wise prevalence percentage of G.I Parasites of Goats in Assam revealed 79.19% in adults and 26.54% in kids. Sex wise prevalence indicated the females were more infected i.e. 71.02%, followed the males (30.16%). Several species of gastrointestinal parasites were recorded on microscopic examination of faecal samples and culture viz. nematodes Haemonchus contortus, Oesophagostomum sp., Strongyloides papillosus, Trichostrongylus sp., Bunostomum sp., Cooperia sp., Trichuris sp., trematodes as Fasciola sp, Amphistomes, cestode as Moniezia expansa and Moniezia benedeni and protozoa as oocysts of coccidia. Haemonchus contortus was found to be the predominant nematode species.