Gastrointestinal parasites in sheep from the southern part of Karnataka, India: Prevalence and associated risk factors

Abstract

A total of 270 dung samples from sheep were examined for the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) and its associated risk factor from southern Karnataka. Dung samples were examined for eggs and oocysts of parasites by conventional parasitological techniques and were identified. The overall prevalence of GIP was found to be 76.67% (207/270). The different gastrointestinal parasites recorded were strongyles, Eimeria, Moniezia, Trichuris and amphistomes. Various risk factors revealed that, adult sheep above one year (87.06%), females (79.89%) and monsoon season (84.44%) directly influenced the prevalence of GI parasitism. Further, Haemonchus contortus was the most predominant parasite followed by Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum species.