Vol. 9, Special Issue 1 (2024)

Author(s): M Kalaivanan, E Madhesh, M Balagangatharathilagar, V Vijayanand, M Ranjithkumar and JP Anisha

Abstract: An epidemiological study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of small ruminants in the Southern part of Tamil Nadu. Faecal samples were collected from a total of 205 goats and sheep brought to the Veterinary Clinical Complex, Tirunelveli. Out of 205 samples, 173 samples were collected from goats (Male 74 & Female 99) and 32 were sheep (Male 19 & Female 13) in which, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infestation was found to be 61.46%. The variable prevalence on microscopical examination was found with, Strongyle sp.(15.12%), Strongyloides sp.(7.31%), Trichuris sp.(4.39%), Monezia sp. (2.43%), Amphistome sp. (0.97%), Eimeria sp.(16.09%) and mixed infection (14.63%). Eimeria sp., was observed with a high prevalence rate which was followed by mixed infection. A higher prevalence was found in females (63.39%) compared to males (58.06%). In this study, the prevalence was found higher in the group of animals greater than 2 years of age (64.10%) followed by 1-2 years (61.67%) and less than 2years (59.43%).