Prevalence and epidemiological risk factors associated with trematode infections of sheep in North Kashmir India

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of trematode parasites and identify the epidemiological risk factors to develop effective management and control strategies. Between August 2021 and May 2023, 1,200 faecal samples from locally reared sheep in North Kashmir were examined using the sedimentation technique to detect trematode eggs. Positive samples were further assessed using the McMaster technique to determine eggs per gram. The overall prevalence of trematodes was 5.33%, with amphistomes accounting for 2.33%, Fasciola spp. for 2.08%, and Dicrocoelium spp. for 1.33%. Season, age and breed showed no effect on significant effect on prevalence, while sex and body condition had a significant impact. Trematode prevalence also varied between districts. EPG values ranged from 0 to 300, with a mean of 151.563 ± 8.181. Amphistomes, Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. had EPG ranges of 0-300, 0-300 and 0-250, with mean values of 186.957 ± 14.817, 150.000 ± 8.704 and 114.286 ± 17.719 respectively. Season, age, sex and breed significantly affected parasitic load. To prevent disease outbreaks and reduce environmental contamination with metacercariae, deworming should be carried out in late winter/early spring, early summer/mid-summer and mid-autumn/late autumn. Low EPG values may indicate lower infection levels. The study shall help in strategic treatment of animals, which will help in conserving the efficacy of drugs.