Prevalence and Impacts of Ectoparasitic Fauna Infesting Goats (Capra hircus) of District Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan

The current study was conducted to define the prevalence and associated determinants of ectoparasitic fauna infesting domestic goats of district Toba Tek Singh (T.T. Singh), Punjab, Pakistan. Overall prevalence was found 11.14% (448/4020). Among various ectoparasites, ticks (33.58%) were found predominant as compared to lice (9.58%), fleas (6.84%), mites (3.23%) and flies (2.49%). Hyalomma anatolicum (20.39%), Rhipicephalus microplus (13.18%), Ctenocepahlides felis (4.35%), Ctenocepahlides canis (2.48%), Haematopinus spp. (3.48%), Damalinia spp. (3.23%), Linognathus spp. (2.73%), Psoroptes ovis (2.23%), Sarcoptes scabei (0.99%) and Hypoderma ovis (3.42%) were the prevalent species of ectoparasites. Age, sex and breed of host were not found positively associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites. Among various husbandry practices, floor pattern was found having significant variation, while feeding system, housing system and animal keeping were not found significantly (P>0.05) associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites. Seasonal trend showed highest prevalence of fleas, lice and mites during the months of winter while peak frequency distribution of ticks and flies was recorded during summer and spring months, respectively. Comparison of hematological parameters showed low values in positive animals, while an increase was recorded in biochemical parameters due to infestation. The fallout of the present study may play significant role for planning an effective control of ectoparasites in the study area.