Prevalence Study on Gastrointestinal Helminthic Infections in Ruminants of Hassan and Chikkamagalur Districts of Karnataka State, India

A prevalence study on gastrointestinal parasites in ruminants was undertaken in Hassan and Chikkamagalur districts of Karnataka state to observe the current infection status in the region. The faecal samples were collected from the animals and processed as per the standard procedures. A total of 354, 46, 212 and 138 faecal samples from cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats were screened, of which 92 cattle, 13 buffalo, 79 sheep and 58 goat samples were positive for parasitic infection, respectively. The coprological examination of cattle and buffaloes revealed the highest infection of Amphistome spp. (20.3% & 28.3%) followed by strongyles (2.8% & 2.2%) and Schistosoma spindale (0.6%). Buxtonella sulcata cysts were found in nine cattle samples. Mixed infection of Amphistome spp. and strongyle followed by Amphistome and Fasciola spp.; Amphistome spp. and Schistosoma spindale were also observed. The highest infection of strongyle (25.5% & 24.6%) was followed by Amphistome spp. (2.4% &0.7%) and Fasciola spp. (0.9%) in sheep and goats, mixed infection of strongyle with Amphistome spp. and Fasciola spp.; strongyle and Trichuris spp., Amphistome spp. and Trichuris spp. were observed in the faecal samples. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections cause considerable economic loss by way of reduced weight, decreased milk yield, debilitation and morbidity in livestock, besides causing major health problems in domestic animals. The study helps to understand parasitic infection in ruminants, which could greatly help in understanding the management strategies necessary for the health of domestic ruminants, thereby safeguarding the economic impact.