Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Coccidiosis in Small Ruminants in Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

The goal of the present research was to figure out the prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in goats and sheep in Dera Ghazi Khan. For this 752 (goats=376; sheep=376) fecal specimens were obtained, and were analyzed by coprological examination. The prevalence of coccidiosis in sheep (52.92 %) was significantly higher (P<0.05) than the goats (44.41 %). In females, infection with Eimeria was significantly higher (P<0.05) as compared to male animals. Coccidiosis was significantly more common (P<0.05) in sheep and goats aged ≤6 months compared to sheep and goats older than 6 months but less than a year, and older than a year. There was a clear distinction (P<0.05) in prevalence of coccidiosis in animals that are stall fed and housed in comparison with the animals that graze in open grasslands. Prevalence of coccidiosis in animals with low BCS was considerably higher (P<0.05) as compared to the animals in good health. The prevalence of Eimeria infection and fecal score had a significant correlation (P<0.05). Prevalence of coccidiosis was higher in August while in October it was lowest. The highest prevalence (56.78%) was of E. ovinoidal is followed in order by 47.23 % E. ahsata, 35.67 % E. parva, 30.15 % E. intricate, 26.63 % E. faurei and 19.09 % E. pallid in sheep. In case of goats, highest prevalence (68.86%) was of E. ninakohlyakimovae, followed by 59.88% E. alijevi, 53.29% E. arloingi, 46.70 % E. caprinaand 22.15 % E. hirci were among the most common Eimeria spp. It was concluded that different Eimeria spp. Prevailing in study area with variable risk factors and the incidence of coccidiosis in research area was affected by various risk variables.