Enteric Parasites in Sheep (Ovis aries) from Gabtoli Cattle Market, Dhaka

Aims: The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of enteric parasites in sheep (Ovis aries).

Methodology: A total of 96 sheep fecal samples were collected from Gabtoli cattle market, Dhaka from April to November 2017 to perform the present cross sectional study. Formol Ether Concentration technique was applied to process the collected stool samples.

Results: Balantidium sp. (41.67%; CPG 17.5±3) followed by Entamoeba sp. (37.50%; CPG 7.22±3) showed the maximum prevalence among protozoan parasites. Fasciola sp. (45.83%; EPG 45±5) and Hymenolepis nana (37.50%, EPG 17.22±7.5) were the most prevalent among trematodes and cestodes, respectively. Ostertagia sp. (50%; EPG 26.9±5) showed the uppermost prevalence among the nematodes. Trichuris ovis showed the highest intensity (53.7±13.5) followed by Strongyloides sp. (49.8±14). The lowest prevalence was recorded for Giardia sp. (8.33%; CPG 6±0.5). Male and female sheep were almost equally infected except for protozoans and cestodes, which was lower in female sheep.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infection in sheep (Ovis aries) from Gabtoli cattle market, Dhaka. Further effort is indispensable for a well-thought-out investigation and monitoring of enteric parasites in small ruminants to formulate operative control strategies.