Prevalence of Ecto and Endo Parasite Incidence in Goats of Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Parasitic infections constitute a major constraint in the productivity of small ruminants and result in significant economic losses to livestock farmers in tropical countries like India. The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of endoparasites and ectoparasites in goats reared under field conditions in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. A total of 112 faecal samples and 84 ectoparasite samples were collected from randomly selected goats across various localities and analyzed using standard parasitological techniques. The faecal examination revealed an overall gastrointestinal parasitic infection rate of 58%, with Strongyle spp. being the most prevalent (61.5%), followed by Trichuris spp. (19%), Amphistome spp. (15.7%) and Eimeria spp. (4.1%). Among ectoparasites, Rhipicephalus spp. ticks and Ctenocephalides canis fleas were identified. The study highlights that goats in Cuddalore district are heavily burdened with parasitic infestations, suggesting an urgent need for effective integrated parasite control programs. Awareness creation among farmers on proper deworming schedules, pasture management and hygienic husbandry practices is essential to mitigate the losses due to parasitic infections.