Seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep and goats of Jammu

Faecal samples (n=520) from sheep (n=245) and goats (n=275) from R.S. Pura, Bishnah and Samba tehsils of Jammu district revealed a total of 83.07% gastro-intestinal parasite infection, where 83.24%, 80.00%, 84.72% and 80.55% infection was observed in sheep, lambs/hoggets, goats and kids, respectively. Strongyles (44.62%) were predominant followed by amphistomes (8.07%), Eimeria sp. (6.73%), Fasciola sp. (3.08%), Trichuris sp. (3.08%), Dicrocoelium sp. (1.92%), Strongyloides sp. (1.15%) and Moniezia sp. (0.96%). Mixed infection with one or more gastro-intestinal ova was also detected in 13.46% of animals. Seasonal variation was recorded throughout the year and was highest during rainy season (88.54%) followed by summer (83.15%) and winter (76.01%). Eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces recorded during rainy, summer and winter seasons were 2302.33±225.19, 1720±162.97, 1418.18±129.20, respectively. The EPG recorded was similar in sheep (1844.55±165.37) and goats (1872.30±150.18). Adults had higher EPG counts (2046.51±139.33) as compared to young ones (1338.23±136.87).