Seasonal Prevalence of Gastro-Intestinal Helminths of Sheep (Ovis Aries) and Goat (Capra Hircus) with Respect to Age and Gender of Gurez Valley, Kashmir

摘要

The present study was carried out with an objective to assess the seasonal dynamics of intestinal helminth parasites in association with age and gender of sheep (Ovis aries) and goat (Capra hircus) in Gurez valley. Out of the total of 123 sheep and 96 goats examined through gut examination during May 2013 - May 2015, 25.20%, 17.07%, 27.64% in sheep and 22.91%, 15.62%, 26.04% in goats was the prevalence of trematodes, cestodes and nematodes respectively. Comparatively goats harbored low infection level as compared to sheep. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in gastrointestinal parasite infection in Ovis aries and Capra hircus examined. Data showed that infection was moderately positive all year round but highest infection was found in the autumn season. A significant relationship was found between seasons and prevalence of infection (P<0.05). Generally lower age groups and nomad breed reported high infection. In conclusion, the present study states that seasons affected the prevalence of intestinal cestodes significantly while as gender and age of host were not significant factors in the onset of infection under temperate climatic conditions of Gurez valley. These findings may contribute to the existing epidemiological knowledge of the intestinal cestodes of Sheep and will also improve the control strategies of intestinal helminthiasis.