Detection of gastrointestinal parasites infection of sheep and goats in Diyala province-Iraq

Abstract EN

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%).