Gastro-Intestinal Parasites of Sheep (Ovis aries Linnaeus, 1758) in Laxmipur VDC, Dang, Nepal

Abstract

Sheep (Ovis aries), a member of Bovidae family is supposed to be one of the oldest farm animal domesticated, meant as an important livestock. Gastrointestinal parasite causes significant impact on health of sheep. Present study was conducted to assess the prevalence, seasonal variation and concurrency of gastro-intestinal parasites of sheep in Laxmipur Village Development Committee, Dang. A total of 110 sheep were randomly selected from the study area by visiting to farmer’s bawn. 55 faecal samples were collected during the month of April 2017 and rest 55 during the month of August 2017 and examined by direct smear and concentration methods (sedimentation and floatation techniques). The study revealed overall 80% prevalence of gastro intestinal parasites including total 15 genera belonging to 5 classes. The study demonstrated Haemonchus sp. as predominant species having the prevalence rate of 33.64%, followed by Strongyloides sp. (30.91%), Strongyle sp. (25.45%), Trichostrongylus sp. (14.55%), Oesophagostomum sp. (13.64%), Fasciola sp. (10.91%), Bunostomum sp. (10%), Trichuris sp. (8.18%), Paramphistomum sp. (7.27%), Moniezia sp. (6.36%), Nematodirus sp. (5.45%), Chabertia sp. (4.54%), Eimeria sp. (3.64%), Entamoeba sp. (2.73%), and Ascaris sp. (1.82%). Higher infection of gastro-intestinal parasites in sheep was observed in rainy season (92.93%) than in summer season (67.27%). Statistically there was significant difference (p<0.05) in the seasonal prevalence of gastrointestinal

parasites in two seasons. Multiple infection was observed in 80.68% and single infection was 19.32% of sheep. Management practices, grazing area, nutritional factors, traditional rearing system, climatic conditions, environmental and geographical factors were considered as important factors which influences the prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasites.