Assessment of Prevalence of Parasitic Infections in Sheep Reared in Kashmir Valley India

Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) belongs to the great Himalayan mountain range, which exerts significant influence on its agro-climatic conditions. Geologically the J&K state (2, 22, 800 sq. kms) is both complex and varied. Climatic conditions of the state ranges from sub-tropical (Jammu), temperate (Kashmir) to cold artic (Ladakh) zones and belongs to the great Himalayan mountain range, which exerts significant influence on its agro-climatic conditions. Gastrointestinal parasitism is a major problem in sheep production worldwide, these parasites cause diarrhea, anemia, reduced weight gain and increased production costs. Seven hundred fifty fecal samples of sheep (Ovis aries) were taken from different farms of Kashmir valley. All fecal samples were examined to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. Direct microscopic examination, Centrifugation floatation and Sedimentation techniques were used to examine fecal samples. Overall prevalence rate was 62.02 %, most commonly encountered parasites were Strongyle spp., Strongyloides spp., Eimeria spp., Nematodirus spp., and Monezia spp. was 24.66, 15.33, 9.73, 9.00 and 3.33 %, respectively. The highest prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites (G.I) parasites was recorded during monsoon season (March - May) followed by summer season (June – August) whereas the lowest prevalence was recorded during winter season. Analysis of the data on the basis of sex revealed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the overall incidence of gastrointestinal parasites between male (77.6 %) and female (46.2 %) sheep. The maximum infection was observed in younger age groups compared to adults (P<0.05). The prevalence of different species of endoparasites also varied in sheep of different body weight groups (P<0.05). The parasitic infection was observed in increasing order in different breeds as Hemishere, poldar, Kashmir Marino, Corriedale & Bakerwal. Conclusion: The data obtained in this study suggest that the age, sex, body weight and breed are important factors which influence the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites.