Abstract:
Gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) are considered a common problem in goats
and sheep production worldwide. This study investigated the prevalence of
GIPs infection in goats and sheep and associated risk factors in
Addalaichenai DS division. Goats (n=95) and sheep (n=83) were sampled
randomly (apparently). Faecal samples were collected directly from rectum
and analyzed using a simple flotation method. Nematode eggs were counted
and graded using the McMaster techniques to determine degree of infection.
The results showed that the overall prevalence of parasites in goats and sheep
was 93.7% and 86.7% respectively. Parasitic species in goats were identified
as Eimeria spp. (77.90%), Nematodirus spp. (78.90%), Strongyloides
papillosus (65.30%), Moniezia spp. (14.7%), Strongyles spp. (33.7%) and
Trichurisspp. (1.10%) whereas in sheep they were 71.10%, 63.90%, 60.20%,
15.7%, 37.30% and 0% respectively. The age of goats and sheep was
significantly associated with strongyles spp. and Eimeria spp. (P<0.05)
respectively. No significant association of sex of goats and sheep with GIPs
was found. The association of Nematodirus spp. was significantly lower in
sheep than goats (p<0.05). Number of eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) of
nematode parasites showed that mild cases were high in goats and severe
cases were high in sheep. From the study, it is concluded that the higher
prevalence of Eimeria spp. and Nematodirus spp. in goats and sheep was
found in the study area, however, the prevalence of Nematodirus spp. was
lower in sheep than goats. Farmers should be educated to manage goats and
sheep especially at adult age to protect from the infection of Eimeria spp.
and Nematodirus spp.
