Management Strategies for Lamb Production on Pasture-Based Systems in Subtropical Regions: A Review.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is considered a common problem in sheep and goat production in Bangladesh. The current investigation was undertaken to determine the prevalence of GI parasitic infection and its associated risk factors (e.g., age, sex, nutritional & deworming status etc.) in sheep and goats of the Sandwip Island, Chattogram, Bangladesh. A total of 330 faecal samples of which 220 sheep and 110 goats were taken using a random sampling method. All the samples were subjected to routine coproscopy (e.g., direct smear, flotation and sedimentation) to detect the eggs/oocysts of helminths and protozoan parasites. Results demonstrated that the overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 68.64% in sheep and 61.82% in goats. The frequency of nematodes and trematodes was higher in comparison to cestodes and protozoan infections in both sheep and goats of all the three study areas. Age-specific prevalence demonstrated that adult goats had significantly higher GI parasitic infections in comparison to the young population. Female sheep were more prone to GI parasitic infections whereas the opposite trend was noticed for goats. The sheep and goats having the ‘poor’ body condition score/nutritional status were more susceptible to parasitic infections compared to moderate and good health conditions. Rarely or non-dewormed sheep and goats also harboured more GI parasites compared ‘dewormed animals’. The current investigation was fresh of its types in the study areas, therefore, we recommended extensive studies including epidemiological and molecular approaches to identify GI parasitic diseases and their associated risk factors.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections hinder the growth and productivity of large ruminants such as cattle and buffalo. The current study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infection in cattle and buffalo with its associated risk factors in Sandwip Island under Chattogram of Bangladesh. A total of 440 faecal samples were collected randomly from cattle and buffalo. The routine coproscopy were carried out to identify the eggs/oocysts of GI parasites (helminths and protozoa). Results revealed that the overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections was 50.91% in both cattle and buffalo. The occurrence of GI trematodes and nematodes was the highest compared to cestodes and protozoan infections in both animal types. Adult buffalo had significantly higher GI parasitic infections compared to young, whereas an opposite trend was noticed in cattle. Female buffalo were more prone to suffer from GI parasitic infections than male. As expected, animals with ‘poor’ body condition score (BCS) were more susceptible to GI parasites compared to other groups. The present investigation has documented the GI parasitic infections in cattle and buffalo in the study sites for the first time which will help the veterinarians and farmers to take preventive and therapeutic measures. Further extensive studies are required to understand the actual epidemiology of those parasitic infections.

SummaryThe impact of habitat disturbance on biodiversity conservation and animal health is poorly understood. Selective logging results in a suite of alterations that may increase infection risk and susceptibility to infection in resident populations.The aim of this study was to improve our understanding of this interplay by examining the effects of logging on infection risk and gastrointestinal parasite infections in three primate species whose populations have responded differently to selective logging in Kibale National Park, Uganda. Populations of redtail guenonsCercopithecus ascaniusare declining in logged forest; red colobusPiliocolobus tephroscelespopulations are in a state of slow recovery; and black‐and‐white colobusColobus guerezapopulations are increasing in logged forest.We collected faecal samples from these three primate species over a period of 5 years in logged and undisturbed forest, to compare parasite infection prevalence and the magnitude of multiple infections. We also analysed canopy and ground vegetation plots to compare environmental contamination with primate parasites in logged and undisturbed forest.The prevalence and richness of gastrointestinal helminth and protozoan parasite infections, and the magnitude of multiple infections were greater for redtail guenons in logged than undisturbed forest, but these parameters did not differ between forest types for either colobine. Data from the canopy and ground vegetation plots revealed that infective stages of two representative generalist primate parasites occurred at higher densities in logged compared with undisturbed forest, signifying a greater infection risk for all primate species in logged forest.Synthesis and applications. This study demonstrates that selective logging can be associated with changes in an important ecological association between hosts and parasites. Our results indicate that anthropogenic habitat change could influence patterns of parasite infection in primates with associated effects on population performance.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections pose a formidable global challenge to livestock production and continue to affect livestock health and productivity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and epidemiological determinants of GI parasites in 1406 cattle, goats, and sheep from three districts of North Bengal, India (Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri). Parasitological data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Overall prevalence was 69.4%, with cattle showing the highest infection rate (71.62%), followed by sheep (69.30%) and goats (67.19%). Spatial variation was evident among districts, with Cooch Behar recording the highest prevalence (71.20%). Seasonal effects were assessed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMs), which indicated significantly higher infection probabilities during the monsoon (75.70%) and summer (72.95%) compared with winter (57.78%). The predominant parasite genera identified were Eimeria spp., Strongyloides spp., and Fasciola spp. Host-parasite associations were further explored using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), revealing distinct clustering patterns, with cattle associated mainly with Eimeria spp. and Strongyloides spp., goats with Trichuris spp. and Nematodirus spp., and sheep with Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. A species-specific heatmap was used to visualize parasite distribution across host species and seasons, highlighting higher infection intensities during the summer and monsoon periods. Overall, the results demonstrate that GI parasitic infections in North Bengal are influenced by host species and seasonal climatic factors, supporting the implementation of targeted, species- and season-adapted parasite management strategies.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are the major constraint for livestock production causing huge economiclosses to the livestock producers in terms of decreased milk production and reduced weight gain. Gastrointestinaldisorders including diarrhoea may be caused by various etiological factors but parasitic infections play a significantrole. A total of 1755 faecal samples from cattle (n = 594) and buffaloes (n = 1161) with the history of digestive disturbances/disorders were tested at four Disease Investigation Laboratories at Ambala, Bhiwani, Mahendergarhand Rohtak in Haryana during July 2020 to June 2021. All the faecal samples were processed by floatation and sedimentation methods. Coprological examination revealed 33.5% cattle and 37.3% buffalo as positive for GIparasites. The major parasitic infection of Amphistomes (6.3%), Buxtonella sulcata (14.8%) and Strongyles (11.05%)was observed in bovines. Highest infection of Strongyles (13.3%) and Buxtonella sulcata (17.4%) was found in cattle and buffaloes, respectively. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections in calves were in higher frequency than adult animals. Season-wise GI parasitic infections were recorded to be non-significantly higher in rainy season. Area-wiseoccurrence of parasitic infection was recorded highest in Rohtak followed by Bhiwani, Ambala and the least in Mahendergarh district of Haryana. This kind of study is found to be helpful in formulating effective control trategiesagainst GI parasitic infections on regional basis.

Background:Parasitic infections of the gastrointestinal tract is one of the highest causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV infected individuals. This is due to the colonization of the intestinal tract by parasites influenced by induced enteropathy caused by HIV infection. CD+4 t-lymphocytes count is a marker of the immune status of HIV infected individuals.Objective:This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections among HIV coinfected individuals in relation to their immunological status.Methods:CD+4 t-lymphocytes count was determined using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) count system. Parasitological examination of faecal samples was conducted using direct wet mount, modified Z-N and Giemsa stain techniques. All prepared slides were examined under x10 and x40 objectives.Findings:Out of the 891 HIV seropositive participants on antiretroviral therapy that were studied, 641 (71.9%) had CD+4 counts equals to or greater than 500 cells/mm3. All other seropositive participants had CD+4 counts below 500 cells/mm3. Gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 187 (20.9%) seropositive participants, with females (n = 108, 12.1%) having more infections than males. Multiple gastrointestinal parasitic infections were recorded in 28 (3.1%) seropositive participants. Out of the 150 seronegative participants, 79 (52.7%) of them had at least one gastrointestinal parasitic infection. Female seronegative participants also accounted for higher infection rate (n = 42, 28.0%) than males (n = 37, 24.7%). Multiple infections were also recorded in 18 (12.0%) seronegative individuals. The overall prevalence rate of infection between both positive and negative individuals was 25.5%. There was statistical significant difference in the infections of Cryptosporidium parvum (p < 0.003), Cyclospora cayetanensis (p < 0.011) and Cystoisospora belli (p < 0.011) between HIV seropositive and HIV seronegative individuals. Also, there was statistical significant difference in the infections of hook worm (p < 0.002) and Trichuris trichiura (p < 0.020) between seronegative and seropositive individuals. Gastrointestinal parasitic infection rate was significantly higher among seropositive participants with CD+4 counts between 200 and 350 cells/mm3 (n = 109, 58.3%).Conclusion:The study shows that HIV infected individuals continue to experience gastrointestinal infections even with antiretroviral treatment, especially those with CD+4 counts below 350 cells/mm3. Health care providers should prioritise routine screening of HIV patients for gastrointestinal parasites and provide prompt treatment. Antiparasitic drugs should also be provided as prophylaxis.

A study was conducted on cattle and buffaloes in western region of Gujarat to determine the incidence of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) infection in it. Coprological examination revealed, higher incidence of GIPs infections in cattle compared to buffaloes. Overall, incidence of parasitic infections in both cattle and buffaloes was recorded highest for protozoan parasites followed by nematode, trematode and least for cestode. Age wise, the highest incidence of GI parasitic infections was recorded in up to 2 years age group followed by 2–5 years aged and lowest in above 5 years aged animals. Significantly, higher prevalence of GI parasites was recorded in female cattle and buffaloes compared to male. Seasonally, significantly higher percentage of GI parasitic infections was recorded in monsoon followed by winter compared to summer. Similarly, breed wise, significantly higher infection of GI parasites was recorded in Gir cattle compared to Jaffrabadi buffaloes.

To date, there are very few studies have been carried out on the effect of parasite infection on Bali cattle, and more importantly, there is no published data on the epidemiology of worm infections on Bali cattle in the island of Sumbawa, Indonesia. This research aimed to undertake a preliminary study on gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection on Bali cattle raised under semi-intensive farming system in five different sites in district of Dompu, Sumbawa island. Fecal samples of 76 Bali cattle, from three farmer groups namely site number 1, 4 and 5, were collected, processed and examined under a microscope, with 100x magnification, for egg fecal counting or oocyst fecal counting using the modified McMaster technique. The number of eggs/oocysts observed was then determined and identified. The results show that the eggs/oocysts ranged from 50-14800. The types of GI parasites identified were Strongyloides sp, Strongyle sp, Toxocara sp, Trichuris sp, and Coccidia. Coccidia oocyst is a type of parasite which was found with the highest percentage of 23.68% followed by Strongyle sp. (18.42%) and Toxocara sp. (10.52%). The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infection in cattle accounted for 43.42%. Young calves (0-3 months old) was more susceptible to GI parasitic infection among other age groups. This preliminary data could be used as a basic data on gastrointestinal parasitic infection in Dompu district. These results may also indicate the need to develop control strategies aiming at lowering the gastrointestinal parasitism.

In safari parks and zoos, wild animals are kept mainly for recreational purposes. Animals in these enclosures are also crucial for the education, research, and conservation aspect. To ensure better management and good health of wild animals in captivity, it is essential to monitor the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic (helminths and protozoa) infections. The current investigation was undertaken to investigate the prevalence of GI parasitic infections in wild mammals at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib (BSM) safari park and Chattogram (CTG) zoo of Bangladesh. A total of 72 individual faecal samples were collected from 25 species of wild mammals. Routine qualitative (e.g. direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation) and quantitative (e.g. McMaster technique) tests were performed to identify the eggs or oocysts of helminths and protozoa. Results demonstrated that wild mammals of both BSM safari park and CTG zoo were infected with a total of 17 genera/species of helminths and protozoa. The overall prevalence of GI parasitic infections in wild mammals of both zoological parks was 65.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 53.14–76.12), whereas it was 72.4% (95% CI: 52.76–87.27) in the BSM safari park and 60.5% (95% CI: 44.41–75.02) in the CTG zoo. In both zoological parks, infection with nematodes was more frequent compared to other helminth into the wild mammals. The herbivores were more infected with GI parasites than carnivores and omnivores of both BSM safari park and CTG zoo. The mean eggs/oocysts per gram of faeces was the highest in the carnivores compared to herbivores and omnivores of both enclosures. The findings of the current study demonstrated that wild mammals of both BSM safari park and CTG zoo suffered from various GI parasitic infections. Regular monitoring along with proper therapeutic measures may reduce the severe consequences of GI parasitic infections in captive wild animals.

The objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (G.I.) parasitic infections in cattle and swamp buffalo of Assam, India. A total of 3597 fecal samples of cattle (2339) and buffaloes (1258) were examined for presence of parasitic infections. Examinations revealed an overall prevalence of 58.35% and 29.80% infections in cattle and buffalo, respectively. In cattle, Strongyle sp. (18.76%) was predominant followed by Eimeria sp. (11.97%), Amphistome sp. (8.72%), Strongyloides sp. (3.76%), Moniezia sp. (2.65%), Toxocara vitulorum (1.32%), Buxtonella sulcata (0.81%), Trichuris sp. (0.72%), Fasciola gigantica (0.47%) and Bunostomum sp. (0.38%). In buffalo, Amphistome sp. (8.90%) was predominant followed by T. vitulorum (5.64%), Strongyle sp. (5%), Eimeria sp. (4.53%), Strongyloides sp. (1.35%) and Trichuris sp. (0.47%). Mixed infections with more than one species were recorded in 8.76% and 3.89% cattle and buffalo, respectively. The egg per gram (EPG) of feces in cattle and buffalo was 582.44±8.13 and 475.86±11.29, respectively while oocyst per gram (OPG) of feces was 425.00±20.37 and 251.75±22.35, respectively. Correlation of rainfall and temperature with EPG/OPG of cattle and buffalo was highly significant (P less than 0.01) while correlation of relative humidity (Av.) with EPG of cattle and buffalo was significant (P less than 0.05). Multiple linear regressions explained about 98.10% of total variance in EPG of cattle with environmental variables. 89.10% of total variance in EPG of buffalo was explained in multiple linear regressions due to environmental variables. This shows that the climate in this region is exclusively conducive for the development and propagation of parasites.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections in non-human primates are of growing concern due to their implications for both veterinary and public health. Long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis), commonly found in peri-urban and temple environments in Southeast Asia, may act as reservoirs for zoonotic parasites, posing risks to humans and domestic animals. This study investigated the prevalence and species diversity of GI parasites in free-ranging macaques from four provinces in Northeast Thailand (Loei, Khon Kaen, Bueng Kan, and Sisaket). A cross-sectional study was conducted between April and May 2025. A total of 445 fecal samples were examined using two parasitological techniques: agar plate culture (APC) and the formalin-ethyl acetate concentration technique (FECT). The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was 86.5%, with Strongyloides sp. (65.2%) as the most prevalent helminth and Balantioides coli-like (29.5%) and Entamoeba histolytica-like (28.8%) as the predominant protozoa. Other parasites identified included helminths (Trichuris sp., Ascaris sp.) and protozoa (Blastocystis sp., Iodamoeba bütschlii, Entamoeba coli, and Chilomastix mesnili). Mixed infections were frequently observed, with both helminths and protozoa co-occurring in 37.3% of cases. The high infection rates and parasite diversity reflect substantial environmental contamination and sustained transmission cycles. These findings underscore the importance of integrated surveillance in wildlife populations and the need for One Health-based approaches to minimize zoonotic transmission risks at the human-animal-environment interface.

Background and Aim:Bullfighting is booming in South Thailand, attracting tourists, and stimulating local economies. The bulls are well raised and practiced, but in many cases, the owners lack knowledge and understanding of the prevention of animal diseases, including parasitic infections. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in fighting bulls.Materials and Methods:A total of 1501 fecal samples were collected from bulls aged 2-5 years visiting the animal hospital of Prince of Songkla University during 2016-2019. The formalin ethylether concentration method was used to detect GI parasites in feces.Results:The overall rate of GI parasite infection was 94.27%. Rumen fluke eggs were detected in 97.17% of all infected animals, followed in prevalence by strongyles (26.29%), Eurytrema spp. (2.83%), Fasciola spp. (2.47%), Trichuris spp. (0.35%), and Moniezia spp. (0.14%). Two protozoan genera were identified, Balantidium coli (6.64%) and Eimeria spp. (3.53%). Coinfection was observed in 33.99%. The five most common coinfections were rumen fluke with strongyles (20.85%), B. coli (4.66%), Eimeria spp. (1.55%), Eurytrema spp. (1.34%), and Fasciola spp. (1.06%).Conclusion:In addition to high GI parasite infection rates, zoonotic parasites were observed. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should follow good sanitation and prevention practices to control parasitic infections in bulls, and proper hygienic precautions should be taken by the owners. Implementation of deworming programs using appropriateanthelmintic drugs as well as rotation of anthelmintic drug that have different chemical agent to prevent further drug resistance should be considered. The promotion of bull health management is highly recommended to protect humans from zoonotic diseases.

Coprological examination of 416 bovine faecal samples revealed the presence of parasitic stages of Toxocara vitulorum, strongyles, Strongyloides spp., Fasciola spp., amphistomes, coccidia (Eimeria spp. and Cryptosporidium spp.) and Buxtonella sulcata. About 42% (n=302) faecal samples from cattle and 36% (n=114) samples from buffaloes were positive for gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections. Both cattle (14.57%) and buffalo (15.79%) had the highest incidence of Buxtonella sulcata, respectively. The overall incidence of GI parasitic infections in young animals (below 1year) was higher followed by older (more than 5years) and adult animals (1-5years) and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Non descriptive breeds of bovines showed more parasitic infections than pure breeds, the difference being statistically non-significant (p>0.05). Season wise GI parasitic infections were recorded to be non-significantly (p>0.05) higher in monsoon (48.38%) followed by summer (39%) and winter (34.61%) in cattle. There was no significant variation of GI infections in buffaloes in relation to season though highest prevalence was documented in monsoon (44.89%) followed by winter (35.71%) and summer (24.32%). Similarly, sex wise females recorded higher infection rates than males in bovines and the difference being statistically non-significant (p>0.05).

Amongst ruminant livestock diseases, the gastrointestinal (GIT) helminths and protozoan parasite infections result in a significant socio-economic concern worldwide. During the period between October 2017 and November 2018, a total of 788 fresh fecal specimens from cattle (n = 303) and sheep (n = 485) were screened for the presence of gastrointestinal helminths and protozoan parasites in two historical regions (Crisana and Banat) of western Romania. Laboratory processing of fecal samples with the simple salt flotation (Willis) and sedimentation techniques, followed by microscopic analysis revealed that 86.1% of cattle and 92.6% of sheep were found to be positive for at least one parasitic stage of GIT helminths and/or protozoa. Five endoparasites were identified in both cattle (C) and sheep (S), and their prevalence was as follows: Eimeria spp. 24.1% (C), 43.7% (S); Balantidium spp. 10.2% (C), 1% (S); Fasciola/ Paramphistomum spp. 55.8% (C), 75% (S); Dicrocoelium spp. 14.2% (C), 3.2% (S); and Strongylid eggs 46.9% (C), 71.3% (S). In addition, Toxocara spp. (0.3%) genera were found in cattle, while Nematodirus spp. (24.5%) and Moniezia spp. (3.5%) were observed only in sheep. The strongylid infections were significantly more prevalent (P < 0.05) in cattle older than 8 years, while the coccidial ones were positively associated (P < 0.05) with sheep younger than 2 years. The study provides useful information for veterinary practitioners in order to develop effective prevention and control strategies against gastrointestinal parasitic infections in the studied regions.

Postinfectious IBS is defined in the industrialized world as IBS onset following a sentinel gastrointestinal infection. In developing nations, where repeated bacterial and parasitic gastrointestinal infections are common, the IBS pathophysiology may be altered. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between intestinal parasite infection and IBS in the “nonsterile” developing world environment. IBS subjects were identified from a population-based sample of 1624 participants using the Rome II Modular Questionnaire. Stool samples from cases and randomly selected controls were examined for ova and parasites. Logistic regression models explored the relationship between IBS and parasite infection. The overall IBS prevalence among participants was 13.2% (9.3% males, 15.9% females). There was no difference in parasite carriage between IBS cases and controls, 16.6% versus 15.4% (P = 0.78), nor among IBS subtypes. The pathophysiology of post-infectious IBS may be altered in the developing world as compared to industrialized nations and warrants investigation.