Occurrence of GI parasites in ruminants of Kashmir and Ladakh.

The study was conducted in Kashmir and Ladakh Divisions of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir to work out the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants. The qualitative faecal examination of 476 samples revealed an overall prevalence of GI parasites to the tune of 80.04% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 96.70% in sheep and 66.27% in goats. In Kashmir overall prevalence of GI parasites was 88.33% comprising of 80.61% in cattle, 98.41% in sheep and 100% in goats. Highest prevalence was observed for strongyles (84.00%) followed by Eimeria spp. (31.67%), Moniezia spp. (20.00%), Ascaris spp. (5.33%) and Strongyloides spp. (1.67%). Mixed infection was observed in 37.67% samples. In cattle, the parasites observed were strongyles (68.37%) and Eimeria spp. (13.27%) with mixed infection in 1.02% samples. In sheep highest prevalence was observed for strongylid eggs (97.88%) followed by Eimeria spp. (43.38%), Moniezia spp. (31.74%), Ascaris spp. (8.47%) and Strongyloides spp. (2.64%) with mixed infection in 59.26% samples. Amongst goats, only strongylid eggs (100%) were observed. In Ladakh region overall prevalence of GI parasites was 65.91% with 82.61% in sheep and 63.40% in pashmina goats. Highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (63.64%) followed by strongyles (9.09%) Moniezia spp. (5.11%) and Thysanosoma spp. (1.14%). Mixed infection was observed in 13.07% samples. In sheep, highest prevalence was observed for Eimeria spp. (73.91%) followed by strongyles (17.39%) and Thysanosoma spp. (8.70%) with mixed infection in 17.39% samples. In pashmina goats, the prevalence of Eimeria spp. (62.09%) was observed highest followed by strongylid eggs (7.84%) and Moniezia spp. (5.88%) with mixed infection in 12.42% samples.

Integrated parasite management with special reference to gastro-intestinal nematodes.

Domestic animals are susceptible to a large number of parasitic diseases, which lead to severe economic losses to livestock industry. So, it is necessary to control parasitic infections in these animals. Control of these helminths is undertaken mostly by anthelmintics, but because of their widespread use there is development of resistance across the globe. However, total dependence on a single method of control has proved to be non-sustainable and cost ineffective in the long term. A combination of treatment and management is necessary to control parasitism so that it will not cause further economic losses to producer as well as to livestock industry. To become practically and ecologically sustainable, parasitic control schemes need to be based on integrated parasite management.