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Original Research
5.
Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infections
in Sheep of Kashmir valley of India -
Showkat Ahmad Bhat, Manzoor Ur Rahman Mir, Sawleha
Qadir, Idrees Mehraj Allaie, Hilal Musadiq Khan,
Ishraq Husain, Bilal Ahmad Sheikh
Vet World. 2012; 5(11): 667-671
doi:
10.5455/vetworld.2012.
667-671
Abstract
Background: Geologically the J&K state (2, 22,
800 sq. kms) is both complex and varied. Climatic
conditions of the state ranges from sub-tropical
(Jammu), temperate (Kashmir) to cold artic (Ladakh)
zones and belongs to the great Himalayan mountain
range, which exerts significant influence on its
agro-climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal
parasitism is a major problem in sheep production
worldwide, these parasites cause diarrhea, anaemia,
reduced weight gain and increased production costs.
Materials and Methods: Five hundred fecal
samples of sheep (Ovis aries) were taken from two
farms. All fecal samples were examined to determine
the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Direct
microscopic examination, Centrifugation floatation
and Sedimentation techniques were used to examine
fecal samples. Results: Overall prevalence
rate was 62.9%. most commonly encountered parasites
were Strongyle spp., Strongyloides spp., Eimeria spp.,
Nematodirus spp., and Monezia spp. was 24.61, 15.5,
9.8, 9.0 and 3.3%, respectively. The highest
prevalence of G.I parasites was recorded during
monsoon season (March - May) followed by summer
season (June – August) whereas the lowest prevalence
was recorded during winter season. Analysis of the
data on the basis of sex revealed a significant
difference (P<0.05) in the overall incidence of
gastrointestinal parasites between male (75.6%) and
female (44.8%) sheep. The maximum infection was
observed in younger age groups compared to adults
(P<0.05). The prevalence of different species of
endoparasites also varied in sheep of different body
weight groups (P<0.05). The highest infection was
observed in Kashmir Marino breed than corriedale
breed.
Conclusion: The data obtained in this
study suggest that the age, sex, body weight and
breed are important factors which influence the
prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites.
Keywords: climate, economy, faecal sample,
Kashmir valley, parasite, prevalence, sheep
