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Home▶ Journals▶ Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology▶Archive▶Vol. 21 No. 4 (2025)▶Epidemiology of Schistosoma and Gastrointestinal Parasites…
Indian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and Biotechnology
Short Communication

Epidemiology of Schistosoma and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Goats: A Slaughterhouse-Based Study from Malwa Region, Madhya Pradesh, India

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Himanshi Solanki — Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Mhow-453446, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Vivek Agrawal — Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Mhow-453446, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Mukesh Shakya — Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Mhow-453446, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Amit Kumar Jaiswal — Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, DUVASU, Mathura-281001, Uttar Pradesh, India
Nidhi S Choudhary — Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, NDVSU, Mhow-453446, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India
Rupesh Jain — Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Krishi Vishwa Vidyalaya - Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Datia-475661, Madhya Pradesh, India
Published 8 Jul 2025 Vol. 21 No. 4 (2025), pp. 162-165 ● Open access
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Abstract

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections, including those caused by Schistosoma species, represent a major constraint to goat health and  productivity. This research aimed to elucidate the prevalence and epidemiological dynamics of Schistosoma and other GI parasites in  goats slaughtered in the Malwa region of Madhya Pradesh, India. A total of 312 fecal and mesenteric tissue samples were systematically  collected from goats at the Mhow Cantonment Slaughterhouse during the summer and monsoon seasons of 2024. Diagnostic  assessments were performed using flotation, sedimentation, and McMaster techniques, supplemented by morphological identification  of Schistosoma worms and eggs. The findings revealed a significantly higher prevalence of GI parasites during the monsoon season  (p<0.05), with Eimeria spp. (63.14%) and strongyles (59.29%) predominating. Schistosoma indicum was detected in 1.60% of the sampled  goats. Males demonstrated a markedly higher prevalence of parasitism (70.08%) compared to females (53.84%, p<0.05), while adults  (66.66%) exhibited a higher infection rate than kids (37.5%, p<0.01). Breed-specific differences were also observed, with Jamunapari  goats exhibiting the highest prevalence (71.60%), followed by Sirohi, Barbari, and Beetal breeds. The highest parasite intensities were  recorded for Eimeria spp. (2377 ± 226 EPG) and strongyles (2329 ± 230 EPG), with comparatively lower counts for Trichuris, Fasciola,  and Schistosoma spp. The study highlights the significant burden of GI parasitism in goats and underscores the need for targeted and  season-specific control strategies to enhance animal health and productivity in the Malwa region. 

 

KeywordsEpidemiological dynamicsGastrointestinal parasitesGoatParasitic burdenSchistosoma spp

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