Prevalence of nemathelminth parasites in sheep of Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley

Studies on prevalence of nemathelminth parasites based on faecal examination in sheep was carried out in Ganderbal district of Kashmir valley. A total of 600 faecal samples were examined of which 457 (76.16%) were found positive for Haemonchus spp. with highest prevalence (41.50%), followed by Ostertagia spp. (28.00%), Trichostrongylus spp. (24.83%). Chabertia spp. (20.83%), Bunostomum spp. (14.66%), Nematodirus spp. (13.16%). Oesophagostom spp. (11.83%). Trichuris spp. (7.00%), Gaigeria spp. (3.33%) and Marshallagia spp. (3.00%). Nemathelminth parasites showed non significantly (p>0.05) higher prevalence in summer season (84.66%), followed by spring (80.00%), winter (72.00%) and autumn season (68.00%). Age wise prevalence was observed non significantly (p>0.05) higher in adult sheep (85.47%) as compared to young sheep (61.70%). Sex wise prevalence was also found non significantly (p>0.05) higher in females (77.26%) as compared to males (74.46%). Out of 600 faecal samples, 405 (67.50%) were found infected with more than one nemathelminth parasite.