Prevalence and risk factor analysis of gastrointestinal parasites in relation to environmental conditions in different agro-Climatic zones of Rajasthan (India)

An epidemiological survey in relation to environmental conditions covering all most the entire agro-climatic zones of Rajasthan (India) was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in crossbred and local cattle. A total of 733 faecal samples (464 cattle and 269 buffaloes) were collected and screened from dairy animals by sedimentation and floatation technique. The overall prevalence of was 22.5%, with Semi-arid Eastern plain zone at higher infection risk (48.25%); followed by Arid Western zone (30.43%). Lowest infection was recorded from Transitional plain of Luni Basin zone (4.11%). Regarding different species of parasite, highest infection was recorded of Balatidium coli (10.10%) followed by Strongyle eggs (5.46%) and lowest was of Toxocara vitulorum and Moniezia expansa (0.82%). In relation to various risk factors Indigenous animal displayed higher risk of infection as compare to cross-bred cattle (OR = 4.36, 95% CI = 29.60–63.84). Older animals have higher risk of infection as compared to young one (OR = 2.03, 95% CI = 13.59–30.44). Female are more prone to significant infection as compared to their male counterpart (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 11.38–33.42). Samples screened during monsoon season depicted highest level of infection (OR = 45.99, 95% CI = 39.00–53.14). Farms having other companion animal have more incidence of infection (23.45%) as compared to other farms (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 8.07–18.66).