Abstract
Parasites pose a serious threat to animal husbandry in terms of direct and indirect losses. This study was designed to estimate the prevalence of parasitic infestations in small ruminants in Quetta, Pakistan. Retrospective data were collected from the Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Quetta, regarding animal treatments during field visits, mobile camps, and inside hospitals and dispensaries in and around Quetta during the summers and winters of January to December 2023. A total of sheep 138264(48%) and goats 146139(51%) were treated for parasitic infestation. Among the internal parasites 65208(22%) cases of lungworm, 54249(19%) liver fluke and 56013(19%) wireworm were recorded. Similarly, 78719(27%) cases of ticks and 30214(10%) mange was seen and treated. On a season basis during January-June, 2023, 30900 (10%) sheep were affected by external parasites and 50097 (17%) by internal parasites. Whereas, goats 44796 (15%) internal parasites and external parasites 32714(11%) were recorded, respectively. Similarly, July -December 2023, 22909(8%) sheep were affected by external parasites and 33203 (11%) by internal parasites. However, 22380(7%) goats were affected by external parasites and 38376(13%) by internal parasites during the same period. This study highlights the prevalence of parasitic diseases in small ruminants in the area and draws the attention of policymakers to construct a comprehensive strategy to control parasitic infestation in small ruminants in the area.
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