ASSOC ADVANCEMENT ZOOLOGY , AZADANAGAR COLONY RUSTAMPUR, GORAKHPUR, INDIA, 273001
Doi
Abstract
Livestock rearing, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, forms a significant backbone of the rural economy in India. Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections pose a substantial economic burden due to reduced productivity, compromised health, and increased mortality in livestock. While studies exist on the prevalence of GI parasites in these animals across India, information from the Cooch Behar district of North Bengal is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and burden of GI parasites in cattle, goats, and sheep from Cooch Behar district. A total of 412 fecal samples (148 cattle, 124 goats, and 140 sheep) were collected from January to December 2019 and examined using standard parasitological techniques. The overall prevalence of GI parasites was alarmingly high: 72.97% in cattle, 76.61% in goats, and 67.85% in sheep. No significant difference was observed in prevalence between the three livestock species (p > 0.05). However, a significant seasonal effect (p < 0.05) was identified, with the highest prevalence and intensity of infection observed during the rainy season, followed by summer and winter. Eimeria spp. (coccidia) and Strongyloides spp. (nematodes) were the most prevalent parasites identified, followed by Trichostrongylus spp., Fasciola spp., Bunostomum spp., Nematodirus spp., Moniezia spp., Paramphistomum spp., Oxyuris spp., and Trichuris spp. These findings highlight the critical need for strategic deworming programs, improved hygiene practices, and further research on the impact of these parasites on livestock health and productivity in the Cooch Behar distric
