STUDY ON PREVALENCE OF GASTRO INTESTINAL HELMINTHS OF LARGE AND SMALL RUMINANTS IN DISTRICT TANDO ALLAHYAR, SINDH

The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in large and small ruminants reared in District Tando Allahyar, Sindh, Pakistan. A total of 640 fecal samples were collected from cattle (n=365), buffaloes (n=95), goats (n=135), and sheep (n=45) and examined using standard parasitological techniques. Overall, 472 animals were found positive, showing a prevalence of 73.75%. Species-wise analysis revealed the highest prevalence in goats (81.48%), followed by buffaloes (74.73%), cattle (71.78%), and sheep (64.44%). Statistical analysis indicated a significant association between host species and infection rate (χ² = 8.64, p = 0.034). Age-wise prevalence showed significantly higher infection rates in adult animals compared to younger groups in both large (χ² = 12.18, p = 0.006) and small ruminants (χ² = 9.27, p = 0.026). The predominant parasites identified were Eimeria spp., Ascaris spp., Strongyle spp., Fasciola spp., Trichuris spp., Moniezia spp., and Schistosoma bovis. The high prevalence indicates poor management practices and favorable climatic conditions for parasite survival. Strategic deworming, improved farm hygiene, and regular monitoring are recommended to reduce economic losses associated with gastrointestinal helminthiasis.