Detection of gastrointestinal parasite infection of sheep and goats in Diyala Province-Iraq

Abstract

This study has been conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection in sheep and goat in 4 districts of Diyala province in Iraq. From December 2012 to June 2013, a total of 220 fecal samples were collected (143 from sheep and77 from goats). Of the total samples examined, 187 (85.0%) were found positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite infection were higher (86.71%) in sheep when compared to goats (81.81%). Young age group showed higher (P<0.05) prevalence of infection when compared to adults in both sheep and goats. Parasites identified in this study in both species included: Protozoa, Eimeria spp. (86.09%); Nematode, Strongyle type of eggs (72.72%), Strongyloides spp. (67.37%) and Cestodes, Monezia spp. (59.89%). Eight Eimeria species were identified; E. ahsat (25.62%), E. crandallis (21.87%), E. granulosa (16.15%), E. parva (14.37%), E. intricate (13.75%), E. pallida (9.94%), E. oviniodalis (6.21%) and E. faurei (3.73%).