Status of parasitic infections in small ruminants at an organized farm in semiarid region of Tamil Nadu

A systematic study on parasitic infections ofsheep and goats at Mecheri Sheep Research Station, Tamil Nadu revealed the presence of strongyles, Strongyloides, Trichuris, Moniezia, amphistome and Eimeria based on coprological examination. Of the 280 sheep and 80 goat faecal samples examined, 128 (45.7%) sheep and 33(41.3%) goats harboured gastro intestinal parasites. Postmortem examination revealed Haemonchus contortus, Cysticercus tenuicollis, Trichuris ovis, Sarcocystis and Oestrus ovis in sheep while C. tenuicollis and Paramphistomum spp. were seen in goats. Examination of body surface revealed cutaneous myiasis and Rhipicephalus haemaphysaloides in sheep, chorioptic mange and cutaneous myiasis were seen in goats. Blood smear examination revealed Theileria hirci and Anaplasma marginale in sheep. Among the parasitic infection, strongyles and coccidia had the highest prevalence in both sheep and goat. Season, management and age of the animals had significant in8uence on the prevalence and intensity ofparasitic infections.