Prevalence of gastro-intestinal parasitic infections in goat of Madhya Pradesh, India

Effects of environmental factors on host-parasite interaction patterns in backyard-tethered goats of Kerala, India

The environment is the most important stratum in the epidemiological triad of a parasitic disease and any variations in the environmental factors may decide the dynamic occurrence and existence of different lifecycle stages of these parasites. The present study investigated the correlations between key biometeorological and demographical parameters with the incidence of different gastrointestinal parasites and hemoparasites among goats. Four hundred and thirty-two goats were screened for parasitic infection in a yearlong survey conducted from July 2022 to June 2023 in the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Mannuthy, Kerala, India. The weather parameters (Tmax, Tmin, RH, THI, and bright sunshine hours), air quality parameters [AQI, PM2.5, and PM10], and demographic parameters (gender and age) were recorded along with the test positivity of different categories of gastrointestinal parasites and hemoparasites in goats by routine fecal sample examination and blood smear examination, respectively. The infection level was ranked based on the severity of the infection. The mean and daily variations in biometeorological parameters were calculated and the data were statistically analyzed to figure out the pertinent correlations in host-parasite-environment interaction patterns. High levels of parasitic infections with significant month-wise variations and climate-correlated peak infection patterns were noticed. The incidence of parasites was negatively correlated to all parameters except humidity, indicating more severe parasitism during monsoon months. The significant variations in the host-parasite interaction dynamics point towards the need for detailed explorations concerning the lifecycle of each specific parasite with a focus on the possible environment-favourable and resistant lifecycle stages. Future studies may be designed from a biometeorological perspective to develop a crucial understanding of host-parasite-environment interactions in goats ensuring sustainable goat farming.

Gastrointestinal parasites in free grazing goats from Ayacucho, Peru: prevalence and risk factors associated with infection in herds

This study assessed the prevalence and risk factors associated with gastrointestinal parasite infection in goats in Ayacucho, Peru. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 254 goats from four districts of Ayacucho: Ocaña (89), Colca (76), Pacaicasa (64), and Luricocha (25) during the dry season; recording the location, sex, and age of the animals. The fecal samples were analyzed using the flotation technique in salt and sugar solution, and modified McMaster egg counting techniques for eggs/oocysts (epg/opg) of gastrointestinal parasites. The associations between location, sex, and age with the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites were analyzed using the chi-square test. Fecal samples showed an overall parasite prevalence of 87.80%. The identified parasites were Eimeria spp. (86.22%), Strongyle type eggs (STE) (65.75%), Skrjabinema spp. (7.87%), Trichuris spp. (3.15%) and Moniezia spp. (3.15%). There was a significant association between the location and the presence of parasites (p < 0.05); where STE was more prevalent in the district of Colca (98.68%); Trichuris spp. in Pacaycasa (9.38%); Skrjabinema spp. (48.00%), Moniezia spp. (12.00%) and Eimeria spp. (100%) were more prevalent in Luricocha. Sex had a significant association with the prevalence of Eimeria spp., Skrjabinema spp. and Moniezia spp. (p < 0.05); while age had a significant association with parasitosis only for Trichuris spp. and Moniezia spp. (p < 0.05). The epg/opg values revealed a higher parasite burden in goats from Colca compared to the other locations (p < 0.05). There was also no statistical relationship between fecal egg/oocyst counts and sex or age, nevertheless, there were moderate and high parasitic burdens. The high prevalence of parasites such as nematodes, cestodes, and coccidia suggests the need to implement strategic control and prevention programs in free-grazing goats. Location and sex were the most relevant risk factors for parasitosis in Ayacucho, Peru.

Gastrointestinal nematodiasis of goats in Somali pastoral areas, Ethiopia

Livestock, mainly goats, are crucial for animal protein, household income, economic security, and wealth creation in the pastoral areas of eastern Ethiopia. However, gastrointestinal parasitosis poses a substantial challenge in this sector. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Gursum district of the Somali region, Ethiopia, to investigate the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes in goats and their associated risk factors. A total of 384 goat fecal samples were collected and examined using flotation and McMaster egg counting techniques for GIT nematodes. Coprological cultures have also been conducted for nematode identification. Fecal samples showed an overall parasite prevalence of 54.17%, with identified nematodes including Haemonchus (24%), Strongyloides (10.4%), Trichostrongles (6.5%), Nematodirus (6%), Oesophagostomum (5.5%) and Trichuris (1.87%). Older and poor body condition animals had higher chances of hosting nematodes than younger (OR = 0.245; CI = 0.144-0.417) and good body condition animals (OR = 0.069; CI = 0.030-0.157), according to multivariate logistic regression analysis. Quantitative examination of eggs revealed light 75(36.06%), moderate 99(47.60%), and heavy infection (n = 34, 16.35%). Analysis of the different study variables indicated that the age and body condition of the animals and the season of the year had a statistically significant association with the prevalence of GIT nematode infections (P-value <0.05). The high prevalence and intensity of GIT nematodiasis in goats from the study area warrants immediate attention and the implementation of strategic control and prevention measures.

Scientometric Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasites Prevalence in Sheep and Goats of India

PURPOSE

In the present study, gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) prevalence in sheep and goats from India was estimated by scientometrics.

METHODS

The GIP prevalence studies (86) reported during 1998-2021 was obtained from online databases, and offline literatures, meta-analysis was undertaken by using "meta" package in R-Software.

RESULTS

The pooled GIP prevalence in India was 65% (95% level CI 56-74%, PI 12-96%) in sheep, 74% (95% level CI 66-80%, PI 14-98%) in goats and 68% (95% level CI 62-73%, PI 15-96%) in sheep and goats. Period-wise analysis revealed a higher GIP prevalence during 1998-2010 than the recent periods. Among the zones, GIP prevalence was higher in the Central zone (79%) in sheep, North zone (82%) in goats, and Central zone (78%) in sheep and goats. Based on the state-wise analysis, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in Haryana for sheep, Himachal Pradesh for goats, and Uttarakhand for sheep and goats. In India, a higher prevalence was reported by nematodes than other parasite classes. Based on climatic regions, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in semi-arid Steppe type region (84%).

CONCLUSION

The high prevalence zones, states, species, sample types, parasite classes, parasite species and climate regions of GIP will be useful in decision-making and resource use efficiency by policymakers and stake holders. There is an urgent need to prevent the occurrence of GIP infections in sheep and goats by adopting scientific management practices, effective therapeutic measures, and hygienic practices on farms to augment the economic benefits to sheep and goat farmers in India.

Isolation and identification of intestinal parasites from Goats in some areas of Wasit Province, Iraq

The current study was conducted on goats in various parts of Wasit Province, Iraq, from November 2021 to April 2022. The study aims to find and identify intestinal parasites (IPs) in goats in Wasit province. The goat's fresh fecal specimens (n=180) include cysts, eggs, oocysts, trophozoites and larval stages. One hundred eighty sheep feces samples were collected, and more than one parasite was isolated from one sample (mixed infection). According to the data acquired, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in goats was 52.77 (95 samples). In the current investigation, eleven distinct (IPs) species with infection rates were identified, including Toxocara vitulorum (Goeze, 1782) (16.66 %), Cryptosporidium sp.( Tyzzer, 1907) (11.11%), Amoeba sp. (8.8%), Giardia sp.( Künstler, 1882) (8.8%), Trichostrongylus sp.( Looss, 1905) (8.33%), Cyclospora sp. (Schneider, 1881) (5.55%), Dicrocoelium dendriticum synonym (Distoma dendriticum) (Rudolphi, 1819) (5%), Paramphistomum cervi (Zeder, 1790) (4.44%), cercaria larva (2.22%), Balantidium coli (Malmsten, 1857) (1.66%), filariae form larvae (1.66%), respectively. This may be the result of infection with various parasites due to the use of Conventional and unsanitary management systems Keywords: Intestinal Parasites, Goats, Toxocara vitulorum, Cryptosporidium spp.

First recorded outbreak of Paramphistomum cervi in Andaman local goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) from Bay island of India: A brief communication

This communication reports an outbreak of immature paramphistomiosis in Andaman local goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) along with report of mortality and gross as well as histopathological changes. During the month of September, 2021 there was report of 38.57% mortality in goats which was investigated in depth. Outbreak occurred at South Andaman district where goats were reared under semi intensive managerial system and allowed to graze in the morning in surrounding marshy land. The affected animals showed the symptoms of immature amphistomiasis; it was further confirmed on necropsy and identification of causative organism as Paramphistomum cervi based on its typical morphological features. Histopathological examination showed damaged structure of rumen with typical degenerative changes and initiation of necrotic changes of cells with infiltration of inflammatory cells. We report the outbreak of immature amphistomiasis for the first time from Andaman and Nicobar archipelago along with the causative agent.

Simultaneous determination of praziquantel and its main metabolites in the tissues of black goats and their residue depletion

Praziquantel (PZQ) is a pyrazino-isoquinoline compound with broad spectrum of activity against parasitic trematodes and cestodes, and a key veterinary drug in the parasitic disease control field. However, PZQ residues caused by non-conforming or excessive use in food-producing animals may pose a serious threat to human health. Herein, a simple, sensitive and reproducible LC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous determination of praziquantel and trans- and cis-4-hydroxypraziquantel in black goat tissues to guide the reasonable use of PZQ. The mean recoveries for three target analytes were 71.2 ∼ 117.6%, and the limits of quantification were 1.0 μg/kg. Twenty-five healthy black goats were administered a single dose of praziquantel tablets at a dose of 35 mg/kg of body weight for residue elimination study, The results revealed that praziquantel and 4-hydroxypraziquantel were rapidly depleted in goat tissues and the elimination half-lives did not exceed 1 day in all tissues except for muscle and lung. It provides guidance for the establishment of maximum residue limit of praziquantel in goat.

Changes in the Serum Protein Fractions in Goats after Treatment of Natural Gastrointestinal Parasite Infections

Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in small ruminants belong to major health problems. The regulation of gastrointestinal infections in goats and the responses developed against them appear to be different from those observed in sheep. In the literature, there is a lack of data on the effect of gastrointestinal parasitic infections on the serum protein profile in goats. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in goats naturally infected with gastrointestinal parasites and to compare the changes in the total serum proteins and serum protein fractions (albumin and α₁-, α₂-, β-, and γ-globulins) obtained after antihelminthic treatment. Eight adult female goats of the white shorthaired breed from a small dairy goat farm at the age ranging between 3 and 5 years with average body weight 35.4 ± 3.2 kg and body condition score (BCS) from 1.5 to 2.5 were used in the study. The serum proteins in goats were separated into five fractions: albumin, α₁- and α₂-globulins, and β- and γ-globulins. Significant changes after treatment were found in the relative concentrations of albumin (P < 0.01) and α₂- (P < 0.05), β- (P < 0.001), and γ-globulins (P < 0.01), as well as albumin/globulin ratio (P < 0.01). The mean concentration of total serum proteins was, after the antiparasitic treatment, significantly higher. Among the globulin fractions, the γ-globulin fraction contributed most significantly to these changes (P < 0.001). The results presented in the study suggest a significant effect of antiparasitic treatment in goats on the synthesis of blood serum proteins and on the changes of the proportion of serum protein fractions.

Global Goat! Is the Expanding Goat Population an Important Reservoir of Cryptosporidium?

Goats are a primary or additional income source for many families in resource-poor areas. Although often considered inferior to other livestock, the resilience of goats and their ability to thrive in a range of environments means that that they are of particular value. Furthermore, goats emit less methane than other livestock species. In these same areas, it is well-documented that cryptosporidiosis has a substantial impact on infant morbidity and mortality, as well as reducing child growth and development. As Cryptosporidium also causes diarrheal disease in goats, the question arises whether goats may represent a reservoir of infection to humans. Epidemiological studies regarding the potential for transmission of Cryptosporidium between goats and humans have largely concluded that Cryptosporidium species infecting goats are not zoonotic. However, these studies are mostly from developed countries, where goat husbandry is smaller, management routines differ greatly from those of developing countries, contact between goats and their owners is more limited, and cryptosporidiosis has less impact on human health. In this article, background information on goat husbandry in different countries is provided, along with information on Cryptosporidium prevalence among goats, at both the species and sub-species levels, and the potential for zoonotic transmission. The intention is to indicate data gaps that should be filled and to increase awareness of the role of goats as providers for low-income families, often living in areas where cryptosporidiosis is endemic and where appropriate baseline interventions could have a positive impact, regardless of species of goat or parasite.

Gastrointestinal parasite infection intensity and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia

Aim:

The study was conducted to determine the intensity of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 288 goats were randomly sampled in areas representing four agro-ecological zones. Fecal and blood samples were collected from the rectum and jugular vein, respectively, of each animal. The number of eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces and the hematological parameters were determined using the modified McMaster technique and a BC-2800Vet® automatic hematology analyzer, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures techniques of Minitab 17, modeling the covariance structure of the observed data.

Results:

Based on EPG and OPG, goats in humid zone were significantly infected (p<0.05) with strongyles, Eimeria, Moniezia, and Trichuris spp. Hematological parameters of goats in arid and humid zone were lower (p<0.05) than those in semi-arid and dry sub-humid zone. GIP infection intensities were higher (p<0.05) in young animals than in adult and suckling goats. GIP infection intensity was similar between goat sexes, while hematological parameters were higher (p<0.05) in females. Higher (p<0.05) infection intensities for strongyles (302.90 EPG) and Eimeria (216.09 EPG) were observed in winter compared to summer (strongyles: 302.90, Eimeria: 216.09 EPG). Higher (p<0.05) values for the hematological parameters were observed during summer compared to that in winter.

Conclusion:

GIP infection intensity in the winter could be associated with hypochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affects suckling goats while in the summer could be associated with normochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affect young goats.

Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Small Ruminants in the Central Part of Myanmar

Gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants remains one of the major economic losses caused by reduced productivity. A total of 380 faecal samples were taken from 280 sheeps in Magway and Pwintbyu Townships and 100 goats in Natmauk Township, Myanmar. Faecal flotation and sedimentation methods were carried out to detect the presence of parasitic infections. Faecal egg and oocyst counts were carried out using the McMaster technique. The overall occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in small ruminants was 98.4% (374/380). The occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in sheep (99.3%) was higher than that in goats (96%). The highest occurrence was found in Eimeria spp. (96%), followed by Trichostrongyle (77.1%), Trichuris spp. (35%), and Moniezia expansa (14%). The mixed infection rate was 84.8% (317/374), while a single infection was 15.2% (57/374). The mean eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces were ranged from 50 to 600 and 50 to 29,800, respectively. Among the 4 nucleotide sequences isolated, one sequence was 94.10-94.47% similarity with Trichostrongylus colubriformis, reported from Laos, and three sequences showed 96.64-99.46% identity with Haemonchus contortus from Laos, China, India, and Mongolia. As gastrointestinal parasite infection in small ruminants was relatively high in the study area, the development of appropriate treatment and control measures should be provided to reduce production losses.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in communal goats from different agro-ecological zones of South Africa

Aim:

A longitudinal study was conducted to assess the epidemiology of common gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections affecting goats in South Africa as influenced by agro-ecological zone (AEZ), sampling season, and the age and sex of animals.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 288 goats (101 male and 187 female) were randomly sampled during winter and summer in areas representing four AEZs (arid: 80; semi-arid: 76; humid: 62; and dry sub-humid: 70) of South Africa. Fecal samples from each animal were collected from the rectum, and the presence of GIP eggs was determined using a modified McMaster technique. A sample was considered positive when a minimum of one GIP egg was detected under the microscope. Fecal cultures were prepared, and infective larvae were collected and identified. The data were analyzed by MiniTab17 (2017) using the FREQ procedure, and the association between the independent factors and the prevalence of various GIPs were evaluated using the Pearson Chi-square test (p<0.05).

Results:

The overall prevalence of GIP in the present study was 37.1%, with a mean prevalence of 30.0, 26.4, 31.1, 36.6, and 59.6% for Eimeria spp., Trichuris, Strongyloides papillosus, Moniezia spp., and strongyles, respectively. There was a significant (p<0.05) association between the prevalence of strongyles, Trichuris, Moniezia spp., and AEZs, whereas an insignificant (p>0.05) association was observed for the prevalence of Eimeria spp. and S. papillosus. A significant (p<0.05) association between goat age and prevalence of all GIPs was observed, where the prevalence was higher in young goats, followed by adults, and then by suckling goats. The prevalence of various GIPs was similar between male and female goats. The percentage of infection with Eimeria spp., Trichuris, S. papillosus, and strongyle parasitic infections was marginally higher in males than in females, whereas that of the Moniezia spp. was higher in females. A significant (p<0.05) association between the prevalence of Eimeria spp. and sampling season was observed, and there was an insignificant (p>0.05) association between the other GIPs and sampling season. The prevalence of Eimeria spp. infection was higher in winter (34.0%) than in summer (26.0%).

Conclusion:

AEZs and goat age are the most important risk factors influencing GIP infections in South African communal goats. These epidemiological parameters are important for outlining effective parasite control management systems against these GIPs in goats.

A survey of gastrointestinal parasites of goats in a goat market in Kathmandu, Nepal

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in goats are predominant around the world. They may be the underlying cause of the pathological and immunological consequences leading to significant economic losses of the goat industry. The main aim of the current research was to reveal the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites, including protozoa, trematodes, and nematodes in the fecal samples of goats in the goat market in Kathmandu, Nepal. A total of 400 goat fecal specimens were purposively collected from the goat market, and they were processed by direct wet mount, sedimentation, floatation techniques, and acid-fast staining, and were observed under the compound microscope. Out of a total 400 fecal samples, 349 (87.25%) were found to be infected with GI parasites among which Eimeria (80.75%), Strongyle (59.25%), Trichuris (29.75%), Strongyloides (28.75%), Moniezia (21.75%), Entamoeba (20%), Fasciola (10.25%), Balantidium (7.75%), Cryptosporidium (4%), Capillaria (1.75%), Trichomonas (1.25%), Ascaris (1.0%), Cyclospora (1%), Blastocystis (0.75%), Giardia (0.5%), and Paramphistomum (0.5%) were reported. GI parasites like protozoa and helminthes were widely distributed in the goats brought for the meat purposes in Kathmandu Valley, showing a high proportion of the goats were having higher risks of morbidity and mortality around the country.

Gastrointestinal helminthosis: prevalence and associated determinants in goats of Jabalpur, India

A total of 632 faecal samples of goats of Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh state were examined during three years of the study period (November 2012-October 2015), out of which 82.75 % samples were positive for helminthic infections. Among various helminths, maximum prevalence was of strongyles (32.59 %) followed by amphistomes (14.40 %), Moniezia spp. (12.50 %), Strongyloides spp. (0.79 %), Trichuris spp. (0.47 %) and Fasciolagigantica (0.32 %). Year wise prevalence revealed a highly significant (p < 0.01) decrease in prevalence of helminths. Except Trichuris and Moniezia spp., the effect of year was significant for prevalence of all other gastro-intestinal helminths observed during the study. Significantly higher (p < 0.05) helminth infections were observed in monsoon (87.97 %) as compared to that of winter (81.48 %) or summer (79.03 %) season. The seasonal difference in prevalence was found significant for strongyles, Strongyloides spp., amphistomes and Moniezia spp. There was no significant variation in Trichuris spp. and Fasciola gigantica infections in relation to season. Age wise prevalence of helminths was non-significantly higher in kids (83.13 %) than in adults (82.62 %). Except Moniezia spp., age wise observations did not reveal any significant difference (p > 0.05) in prevalence of other gastrointestinal helminths.