Seasonal prevalence of trematode parasites of sheep (Ovis aries L.) in Kashmir Valley, India

Abstract

A longitudinal parasitological examination of 1,325 faecal samples collected from naturally grazing sheep in Kashmir Valley, India, was conducted to assess the prevalence of trematodes. The level of parasitism varied among 28.98% of the sheep that had at least one infection. Fasciola gigantica (23.92%) and Fasciola hepatica (9.96%) were predominant, while Dicrocoelium dendriticum (4.45%) and Paramphistomum cervi (2.71%) were also found. Seasonal variations indicate that highest infections were recorded during the summer (13.94 %) followed by autumn (7.38%), spring (6.06%) and winter (1.41%). Highest (42.8 %) prevalence of trematode parasites was observed in sheep that were more than 4 years (42.8%) old followed by 2-4 (37.7%) and 0-2 years (18.79%) of age groups respectively. The faecal examination indicated higher percentage of infection in exotic breed compared to native breed.

Keywords: Exotic; Fasciola; native; parasitism; sheep.

Nigerian Journal of Parasitology Vol. 29 (2) 2008: pp. 80-83