Journal of Veterinary Parasitology

Goat warble fly infestation, caused by fly Przhevalskiana silenus Brauer, 1858 (Diptera:oestridae) was studied in four tehsils of Jammu district over a period of three years. The clinico-parasitological examination of 1294 goats revealed 26.42% animals positive for warble infestation. The prevalence was 40.08% in Samba (semi hilly arid area) tehsil, whereas no animal was found positive at Ranbir Singh Pura, Jammu and Bishnah (plain irrigated area) tehsils. The mean number of warbles per animal (intensity) was 14.29±0.29. Warbles were found in goats from late September to early March. Clear seasonal variation was observed in prevalence and intensity, with the highest warbles on back of goat in winter (80.45%) followed by autumn (65.43%) and spring (11.90%) and no infestation in summer and rainy season. Significant difference was observed in prevalence and intensity among different age groups with no significant difference between different sexes and breeds (Beetal and Bakerwali). The free grazing practice of animals was a major risk factor of goat warble fly infestation. Control can be achieved through mass treatment of goats and fly control.