Articles published on Goat Species
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- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.tvjl.2026.106628
- Feb 1, 2026
- Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
- Endris A Ali + 6 more
This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence, species composition and risk factors for Eimeria infections in Australian dairy goats. A total of 1188 goat faecal samples was collected from 71 herds between November 2023 and July 2024. Oocysts per gram (OPG) of faeces were quantified using the modified McMaster technique, and Eimeria species were identified morphologically. The animal-level prevalence of Eimeria was adjusted for the effect of herd, and risk factors were analysed using multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression models. The adjusted animal-level prevalence of Eimeria species was 71% (95% confidence intervals [CI] 63-77%), and a herd-level prevalence was 97% (95% CI 93-100%). The highest adjusted prevalence of Eimeria species (86%, 95% CI 80-91%) and median OPG (240; Q1:30, Q3:1500) were identified in kids. Prevalence and oocyst shedding varied significantly by climatic zones, with the winter rainfall zone presenting the highest adjusted prevalence (75%, 95% CI 65-84%) and median OPG (60, Q1: 0, Q3: 360). Nine Eimeria species were identified, with E. arloingi (100%), E. ninakohlyakimovae (94%) and E. alijevi (91%) being most prevalent. Significant risk factors included age, sex, climatic zone, stocking rate, bedding type and bedding replacement frequency. These findings demonstrate that Eimeria infection is highly endemic and strongly clustered within Australian dairy goat herds, particularly in young animals, and highlight the importance of age-targeted and management-based control strategies. Improved husbandry practices may reduce environmental contamination and mitigate the production impact of caprine coccidiosis.
- Research Article
- 10.54058/g45s0r53
- Jan 13, 2026
- Sahel Journal of Veterinary Sciences
- A Ibrahim + 3 more
Despite mounting evidence that small ruminants have a role in disease transmission, the epidemiological status for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Nigeria is inadequate and under-reported. In this study, we looked at the seroprevalence of foot and mouth disease virus in goat species in Port Harcourt, River State. A total of 356 blood samples from goats were obtained during slaughter at seven different abattoirs in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Samples were processed and analysed for FMD using an in-house 3ABC competitive Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), as well as serotypes A, O, SAT 1, and SAT 2 specific ELISA. An overall seroprevalence of 37.1% (32.21 - 42.1) for FMD was recorded. The seroprevalence based on location revealed a higher prevalence in Emenike 85.2% (Cl: 73.8 - 92.9), followed by Ruememe 60% (CI: 46.4 - 73.6), Mile3 54.0% (Cl: 41.6 - 66.0), Aluu 42% (Cl: 28.2 - 56.0), Rumokoro 38.7% (Cl: 26.0 - 52.9), Choba 29.3% (Cl: 16.9 - 44.5) respectively while, Rumosi had the least seroprevalence of 8.2% (Cl: 2.6-18.5). This study also detected the circulation of FMD virus serotype O. The study demonstrates high seroprevalence of FMD in goats. Thus, a comprehensive surveillance and vaccination campaign is required to check the silent amplification and transmission of the virus to other animals
- Research Article
- 10.1016/j.animal.2025.101732
- Jan 1, 2026
- Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience
- A Bionda + 5 more
Spatio-temporal genomics of goats: recent evolution, adaptation, and future vulnerability.
- Research Article
- 10.29303/jitpi.v11i2.251
- Dec 30, 2025
- Jurnal Ilmu dan Teknologi Peternakan Indonesia (JITPI) Indonesian Journal of Animal Science and Technology)
- Dody Billhaq + 4 more
Sheep have a morphology is closer to goat than cattle. The morphological similarities and differences between the three species are not always accompanied by phenotypic differences and similarities in their reproductive characteristics. Therefore, reproductive characteristics between the three need to be studied at the genetic level. The LEPR gene is a strong candidate for a gene regulating reproductive traits. This study aims to compare LEPR gene profiles between sheep, goats and cattle. The method used in this research is inductive descriptive statistical analysis. Profiling was carried out using the BLAST (local alignment) program in NCBI. The polymorphisms obtained were then analyzed for the type of mutation. Through local alignment, it is known that there are SNP changes and amino acid changes. Amino acid changes produce silent mutations, neutral mutations, and missense mutations in different proportions. Based on the overall research results, it can be concluded that the LEPR genes between the three species have different profiles. These differences can explain why sheep, goats and cows have different reproductive characteristics.
- Research Article
- 10.1002/ece3.71985
- Aug 1, 2025
- Ecology and Evolution
- Saffet Teber + 7 more
ABSTRACTThis study investigated genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationships, and evolutionary history of domestic goats from Türkiye and Iraq, along with wild goat and chamois species, using newly obtained mitogenomic sequences. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses revealed a complex genetic structure among domestic goats, shaped by widespread distribution and gene flow. While haplotype A was predominant among domesticated breeds from both Türkiye and Iraq, haplotype G was also detected in the Turkish breeds. Notably, Turkish samples exhibited relatively higher nucleotide diversity (0.00133) compared to those from Iraq (0.00081), indicating greater genetic variability in the former population. Wild goat populations in Türkiye were clustered into two distinct lineages: (i) the Aegagrus lineage included the Artvin sample, some ancient genomes from the Taurus Mountains, and Iranian goats, and (ii) the Caucasian lineage contained Konya and Antalya samples, and some ancient genomes from the Taurus Mountains that were clustered closely with wild goats from the Caucasus. These findings suggest that geographic and ecological factors, such as the Anatolian Diagonal, influenced their diversification. Divergence time analyses indicated that the Caprinae began diversifying approximately 8.18 Mya, with initial splits in the Capra occurring around 3.22 Mya during the climatic fluctuations of the Late Pliocene/Early Pleistocene. The study also estimated the divergence of C. aegagrus and C. hircus at approximately 0.89 Mya in the Calabrian, with genetic diversification within domestic goats commencing 0.29 Mya in the Chibanian. The results provided robust evidence supporting Türkiye's role as a significant genetic center for goat domestication during the Neolithic period (~10,000 years ago). This hypothesis was further supported by the widespread presence of the common haplotype A in domestic goats, the high genetic diversity observed among domestic goats, and the region's proximity to the Fertile Crescent. The study underscored the importance of comprehensive genetic analyses in elucidating the evolutionary processes underlying goat domestication and highlighted the necessity for larger datasets and additional molecular markers to resolve the taxonomic complexities of wild goat populations in Türkiye, Iraq, and surrounding regions.
- Research Article
- 10.30782/jrvm.1623282
- Jul 29, 2025
- Journal of Research in Veterinary Medicine
- Yiğit Kaçar + 6 more
Anaplasmosis is a tick-borne rickettsial disease affecting domestic and wild animals, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Over the years, several species of Anaplasma have been identified; however, limited information is available in the literature regarding the parasitic characteristics, prevalence, and effective treatment options for anaplasmosis. This study aimed to identify Anaplasma species using both microscopic and molecular diagnostic techniques. A treatment regimen consisting of oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin was administered to infected goats. Following the implementation of this protocol, a significant reduction in mortality within the herd was observed, leading to the cessation of deaths in a relatively short period. This study underscores the effectiveness of the proposed treatment and contributes to the understanding of anaplasmosis management in goats.
- Research Article
- 10.26898/0370-8799-2024-9-12
- Jul 26, 2025
- Siberian Herald of Agricultural Science
- A A Azizova
Research works were conducted in the Mountain-Shirvan and Shirvan-Salyan economic districts used as winter and summer pastures for the development of cattle breeding in Azerbaijan in 2012– 2022 for taxonomic study of helminth fauna of small ruminants and identification of the invasive species. The helminth fauna of small ruminants was investigated, and the intensity and extensiveness of infestation were determined. 32 species of nematodes, four species of trematodes and eight species of cestodes were detected in sheep in the Mountain-Shirvan economic region, 23 species of nematodes, four species of trematodes and six species of cestodes were detected in goats. 35 species of nematodes, four species of trematodes and five species of cestodes were found in sheep in the Shirvan-Salyan economic region, 19 species of nematodes, two species of trematodes and five species of cestodes were found in goats. Nematodes belonging to 15 genera were found in sheep in both economic regions – Chabertia, Bunostomum, Oesophagostomum, Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia, Marshallagia, Cooperia, Haemonchus, Nematodirus, Trichocephalus, Protostrongylus, Dictyocaulus, Muellerius, Cystocaulus, Gongylonema. In goats, no species belonging to the genera Muellerius and Gongylonema were found, and nematodes belonging to 13 genera were found. In the Mountain-Shirvan economic region, the sheep trematode fauna included four species belonging to three genera: Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi, Dicrocoelium lanceatum. In the economic region of Shirvan-Salyan, 4 species of trematodes were found in sheep and 2 species in goats. The fauna of cestodes in small ruminants differed in economic regions. In the Mountain-Shirvan region, 8 species were identified in sheep (Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, M. autumnalia, Avitellina centripunctata, Thysaniezia giardi, Cysticercus ovis, Echinococcus granulosus, Coenurus cerebralis), and in goats – 6 species (Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, M. autumnalia, Avitellina centripunctata, Th. giardi, E. granulosus). In the economic region of Shirvan-Salyan, 5 species were found in sheep and goats (Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, Avitellina centripunctata, Thysaniezia giardi, Echinococcus granulosus). The helminth fauna of sheep in the Mountain-Shirvan economic region amounted to 44 species, and that of goats – 33 species. In the Shirvan-Salyan economic region, 44 species of helminths were found in sheep, and 26 species in goats. Analysis of the results of 10-year studies shows that for the last 5 years the helminth fauna of small ruminants in this area has become more diverse, the intensity and extensiveness of infestation have increased, and associative infestation with helminths belonging to different classes is observed.
- Research Article
7
- 10.1016/j.animal.2025.101522
- Jul 1, 2025
- Animal : an international journal of animal bioscience
- A Nudda + 7 more
A meta-analysis on use of agro-industrial by-products rich in polyphenols in dairy small ruminant nutrition.
- Research Article
- 10.47430/ujmr.25103.008
- Jun 30, 2025
- UMYU Journal of Microbiology Research (UJMR)
- Echioda-Ogbole, M + 7 more
Study’s Excerpt: Mammalicoccus sciuri was the most prevalent species (79%) in chickens, sheep, and goats. AST showed 100% sensitivity to cefoxitin, penicillin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. Resistance was highest to trimethoprim (48.9%) among the isolates tested. Multidrug resistance was observed in 10% of mannitol-fermenting non-S. aureus isolates. Routine AST is recommended to monitor antimicrobial resistance in food-producing animals. Full Abstract: Mammalicoccus and Staphylococcus species are Gram-positive bacteria found on the skin and mucous membranes of some mammals. This study aimed to identify, determine the species distribution, and assess the antimicrobial profile of mannitol-fermenting non- S. aureus species from chickens, sheep, and goats in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria. Forty-seven isolates from chickens (n = 15), sheep (n = 18), and goats (n = 14) were screened using the Staph Latex Kit (Labmann, UK) and identified using the Analytical Profile Index Kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) was performed using disk diffusion and E-test methods. Mammalicoccus sciuri, Staphylococcus intermedius, and Staphylococcus xylosus were the three species identified. Mammaliccoccus sciuri was found to be the most predominant species with 79% (n=37) prevalence, followed by Staphylococcus intermedius with 15% (n = 7), while S. xylosus was the least common with 4.25% prevalence. The AST results showed complete sensitivity of all isolates (100 %) to cefoxitin, penicillin, gentamicin, kanamycin, rifampicin, spectinomycin, and ciprofloxacin. Isolates were, however, resistant to trimethoprim (48.93%), tetracycline (15%), erythromycin (9%), and amikacin (4%). Ten percent of the isolates exhibited multidrug resistance. This study documents a high occurrence of Mammalicoccus sciuri in small ruminants and chickens. Periodic AST should be conducted to determine the level of antimicrobial use in food animals and to facilitate effective monitoring and reporting of AMR in animals.
- Research Article
- 10.18805/ijar.b-5406
- Jun 16, 2025
- Indian Journal of Animal Research
- Alok Kumar Singh + 6 more
Background: The present investigation was carried out to analyze the biochemical and haematological parameters in response to experimental coccidian infection in Barbari and Jamunapari goat breeds under semi-arid tropics and to study the poor growth, diarrhoea, decrease in production, high morbidity and mortalities caused by different Eimeria species in goats. Methods: Twenty four goats (Barbari-18 and Jamunapari-6) selected and divided into three groups i.e. control Barbari group (3), Barbari group (15) and Jamunapari group (6). A dose of 3x104 sporulated oocysts of different eimeria sps. were inoculated via drenching during morning hour to each animal and blood samples were collected at before infection, during infection and after anticoccidial treatment. Result: Haematological values of goats before infection showed that RBC, Hb, MCH and granulocyte were significantly higher in control group (P less than 0.05) as compared to other groups, while the value of lymphocyte was found higher in Jamunapari groups. While, in infected coccidiosis groups WBC, lymphocytes and monocytes were (P less than 0.05) higher in Jamunapari as compared with other groups, although granulocyte was found higher in control groups. However, after treatment groups show WBC, lymphocyte and monocyte were (P less than 0.05) higher in Jamunapari as compared to the other groups, while granulocyte were found higher in control groups. Biochemical values in goats before infection showed that; AST, urea and potassium levels were observed (P less than 0.05) higher values in control group with compared to other. The Albumin and A/G ratio had (P less than 0.05) observed higher in Jamunapari. During infection observed; AST (P less than 0.05) had observed higher value in control group as compared with other. Albumin recorded (P less than 0.05) higher in Jamunapari groups. After treatment group showed; Creatinine, albumin and A/G ratio (P less than 0.05) was higher in Jamunapari as compared with other. The value of Sodium observed that (P less than 0.05) higher in control group. The observations of haematological value rise in RBC, Hb MCH, granulocyte, lymphocyte, monocyte and biochemical value such as, AST, urea, potassium ion, sodium ion, albumin, A/G ratio and creatinine found both in Jamunapari as well as control groups during study period.
- Research Article
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0325467
- May 30, 2025
- PloS one
- Sumaira Sumaira + 12 more
Despite a goat population of approximately 80 million in Pakistan during 2020-2021, the prevalence of vector-borne pathogens in goats remains largely underexplored. This study aimed to assess the molecular prevalence and phylogenetic characteristics of Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma marginale and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in goat blood samples (N = 239) collected from three districts (Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan) in Punjab between September 2023 and October 2024. Blood samples were first screened with generic and then with species specific primers. Molecular analyses revealed a prevalence of 39% for Anaplasma spp. and 14% for A. ovis. A. marginale and A. phagocytophilum were not detected. DNA sequencing, by targeting 16S rRNA and msp4 genes, and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of Anaplasma spp. and A. ovis, respectively. For both screening, bacterial prevalence rates varied significantly across sampling sites (P = 0.01 for Anaplasma spp. and P = 0.04 for A. ovis). Additionally, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. significantly differed among goat breeds (P = 0.004), while no association was found between goat sex and bacterial infections (P > 0.05 for both screening). Notably, Anaplasma spp. infection was associated with a significant decrease in red blood cell count and hemoglobin concentration, while A. ovis infection did not affect the complete blood count profile. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our Anaplasma spp. isolates clustered with those from Iran, Cyprus and China while our A. ovis isolates clustered with those from Pakistan, China, and Sudan. In conclusion, this study reports the presence of Anaplasma spp. and A. ovis in Pakistani goats and recommends large-scale studies across diverse geo-climatic regions to further investigate the epidemiology, genetic diversity and host-parasite interactions for effective control of these infections in local goat populations.
- Research Article
- 10.5334/jcaa.181
- May 23, 2025
- Journal of Computer Applications in Archaeology
- Manon Vuillien + 11 more
The faunal remains from numerous Holocene archaeological sites across southwest Asia frequently include the bones of various wild and domestic ungulates, such as sheep, goats, ibexes, roe deer and gazelles. These assemblages may provide insight into hunting and animal husbandry strategies and offer palaeoecological information on ancient human societies. However, the skeletons of these taxa are highly similar in appearance, which presents a challenge for accurate identification based on their bones. This paper presents a case study to test the potential of topological data analysis (TDA) and multiple kernel learning (MKL) for inter-specific identification of 150 3D astragali belonging to modern and archaeological specimens. The joint application of TDA and MKL demonstrated remarkable efficacy in accurately identifying wild species, with a correct identification rate of approximately 90%. In contrast, the identification of domestic species exhibited a lower success rate, at approximately 60%. This low rate of identification of sheep and goat species is attributed to the morphological variability of domestic breeds. Moreover, while these methods assist in clearly identifying wild taxa from one another, they also highlight their morphological diversity. In this context, TDA and MKL could be invaluable for investigating intra-specific variability in domestic and wild animals. These methods offer a means of expanding our understanding of past domestic animal selection practices and techniques. They also facilitate an investigation into the morphological evolution of wild animal populations over time.
- Research Article
- 10.53539/2414-536x.1401
- May 21, 2025
- Sultan Qaboos University Journal For Science
- Khdija S Al-Hosni + 4 more
Meat and meat products are good sources of nutrients and play an essential role in consumer health. Therefore, meat safety is one of the main concerns for humans today. Consumers around the world might be exposed to harmful materials due to ingesting contaminated meat products. The present investigation compared three analytical methods for the determination of pesticides 2,4-D (2,4-1) dichlorophenoxyacetic acid), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene/dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane, alachlor, and organophosphates) residues in 145 beef, sheep, goat, chicken and turkey species meat samples (fresh, frozen meats, meatball, mortadella, and sausage samples) of local, regional, and international brands available in Omani markets. The results revealed that the selected meat samples contained small levels (below the maximum allowed) of residuals of different types of pesticides. However, the trace of pesticides detected in meat samples may have adverse effects on human health. The results of this study can be used by the authorized government agencies for routine checks for the safety of meat products in the local market.
- Research Article
- 10.3390/vetsci12050481
- May 15, 2025
- Veterinary sciences
- Tülin Güven Gökmen + 8 more
Anaplasmosis is a disease in animals that leads to significant economic losses. In addition, the zoonotic potential of vector-borne Anaplasma species is increasing its importance, both around the world and in Türkiye, in particular. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic profile of Anaplasma species in goats from the districts of Adana province, Türkiye, via molecular methods. For this purpose, blood samples from 364 goats of various breeds, ages, and genders were collected, and the presence of 55 Anaplasma spp. was determined through the PCR method. Anaplasma ovis was detected in 55 samples (15.1%) and A. phagocytophilum in 11 samples (3%) by Nested-PCR. However, A. capra was not detected. The phylogenetic relationships of A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum were investigated by DNA sequencing of the msp4 and 16S rRNA gene regions. Through sequence analysis in A. phagocytophilum, we identified nine isolates as A. phagocytophilum-like 1 and one isolate as A. phagocytophilum-like 2. Forty-six of the A. ovis isolates were 100% similar to each other. The other 2 isolates were also 100% similar to each other but had a single nucleotide difference from the other 46 isolates. Notably, the isolate identified as A. phagocytophilum-like 2 was detected for the first time in goats in Türkiye.
- Research Article
- 10.1371/journal.pone.0314176
- Apr 28, 2025
- PloS one
- Nasrin Mahvash + 7 more
Autophagy is a lysosome-mediated catabolic pathway that is dependent on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). It plays a crucial role in the degradation of aged organelles and macromolecules. Several studies have explored the role of autophagy in embryonic genome activation and its significance during the early preimplantation development of mammals. In our study, we showed that autophagy is inhibited in one-cell stage SCNT embryos when compared to fertilized counterparts in goats. Notably, we found that 6-DMAP, a kinase inhibitor, reduces the phosphorylation of ERK1/2.This reduction correlates with a decrease in autophagy levels, as indicated by the presence of LC3 puncta in 6-DMAP treated embryos. To address the inhibition of autophagy in goat SCNT embryos, we induced autophagy using Rapamycin at concentrations of 10 and 100 nM for 6 hours, immediately following chemical activation. This induction led to a significant improvement in the development of goat SCNT embryos, as evidenced by an increased blastocyst rate compared to the control group. Our findings suggest that the induction of autophagy during early hours of one-cell stage embryos is critical for pre-implantation development in goat SCNT embryos warrant further investigation. This research opens new avenues for understanding the role of autophagy in embryonic development and its applications in reproductive biotechnology.
- Research Article
1
- 10.1016/j.vprsr.2025.101235
- Apr 1, 2025
- Veterinary parasitology, regional studies and reports
- Ayyanar Elango + 4 more
Spatial and temporal prevalence, abundance and infestation intensity of the ixodid tick population on small domestic ruminants (goat and sheep) in different agro-climatic regions of Tamil Nadu.
- Research Article
- 10.1007/s11686-025-01025-y
- Apr 1, 2025
- Acta parasitologica
- Alireza Ghorbani + 11 more
Gastrointestinal nematodiasis is a significant challenge in small ruminant breeding. The present systematic review and meta-analysis shed light on the frequency and distribution of the infection in a nationwide perspective. The review used 34 animal level datasets retrieved from 26 published articles and the pooled estimates were calculated using a random-effects model analysis. Altogether, 9690 small ruminants were examined post-mortem or by coproscopy, among which 4193 animals were infected with GINs, showing a weighted prevalence of 55% (95% CI 44-66%). Reports were documented in 12 provinces with the highest frequency in Eastern Azerbaijan (77%), Kermanshah (76.04%), and Guilan (71.62%). Moreover, the highest prevalences were estimated among goats [61% (95% CI 48-74%)] and in coproscopy [67% (95% CI 57-78%)]. The reported GINs represented 15 genera, including Haemonchus contortus, Marshallagia marshalli, Trichuris spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Ostertaginae species, Gongylonema pulchrum, Nematodirus spp., Parabronema skrjabini, Skrjabinema ovis, Chabertia ovina, Cooperia punctata, Camelostrongylus mentulatus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, and Oesophagostomum venulosum. The most isolated nematode species in sheep and goats belonged to H. contortus [7.44% (95% CI 6.78-8.13%] and Trichuris spp. [18.42% (95% CI 16.54-20.41%)]. A considerable parasitic prevalence was calculated in small ruminants in Iran, demanding strategic interventions for better control the GIN infections and decrease the worms burden and their consequences in sheep and goat population in Iran.
- Research Article
2
- 10.1111/1750-3841.70172
- Apr 1, 2025
- Journal of food science
- Afsaneh Amouei + 10 more
The increasing consumer interest in game meat, along with the potential transmission of Toxoplasma gondii from game meat to humans, poses significant challenges in assessing the related public health risks. The diverse transmission pathways of T. gondii and its ability to infiltrate host organisms offer an excellent opportunity for enhancing our comprehension of this pathogen's transmission dynamics. Toxoplasma has traditionally been a valuable model for studying host-pathogen interactions and investigating population, community, and environmental or ecological aspects. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the worldwide prevalence and related ecological factors of parasites in wild ruminants. For this purpose, six data base were searched for studies published up to November, 2024. Apparent pooled prevalence was analyzed using a random-effect model with a 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, a univariate and multivariate meta-regression analyses were conducted to investigate associations of species, socio-demographic, geographical, and meteorological data with the prevalence of parasites. The apparent prevalence of T. gondii in wild ruminants was estimated at 12% across four continents. The pooled prevalence estimate across the three species was relatively consistent, with wild sheep showing a rate of about 12.80%, while wild goats (10.30%) and cattle (14.40%) exhibited a slightly higher prevalence. Meta-regression analyses showed a significant relationship among the variables of wild sheep, goat, and cattle species and subspecies, age, gender, samples, methods, continent, temperature, rainfall, humidity, and income level with the prevalence of parasites. The findings indicate the circulation of T. gondii but not a homogeneous exposure in wild ungulates, which could have significant implications for animal health, conservation, and public health.
- Research Article
- 10.5380/avs.v30i1.97288
- Mar 14, 2025
- Archives of Veterinary Science
- Fazal Ur Rehman
Globally, tick infestation and tick-transmitted diseases affect the health of domestic species and cause huge economic losses. The current study investigated the prevalence of tick species in the goat population in the District of Sibi, Province of Balochistan, Pakistan. A total of six villages were selected, three from Tehsil Sibi: i) Khajjak, ii) Kurak, iii) Marghazani, and three from Tehsil Lehri; i) Taro Laal Shah, ii) Trihaar, and iii) Tehri Behramani. A total of 300 animals (50/village) were randomly selected. The prevalence of ticks associated with age, gender, and various housing systems was recorded. Tick samples were collected, processed for morphological examination under stereomicroscope, and mounted for gross identification. The data was analyzed using the Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test using SPSS software, and MS Excel frequency distribution. A total of 198 animals were found infested with ticks, resulting in an overall prevalence of 66%. Specifically, 150 animals were examined from each Tehsil, with 96 and 102 animals infested with ticks in the Sibi and Lehri tehsils, respectively, resulting in 64.0 and 68.0% prevalence rates. The prevalence of ticks in Khajjak, Kurak, and Marghazani villages was recorded as 33.0, 29.0, and 34.0%, respectively. The prevalence of tick infestation in Taro Lal Shah, Trihaar, and Tehri villages was 35.0, 30.0, and 37.0%, respectively. The gender, age, and type of housing system showed an overall tick prevalence of 66.0%. In the present study, Amblyomma variegatum (50%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (35%), and Hyalomma truncatum (15%) were observed. The prevalence of ticks was associated with risk factors such as sex (females) and age (old age) of goats, as well as housing (mud-type) systems. The study focused on tick prevalence, emphasizing the importance of tick control, production, and the prevention of tick-borne diseases. This is the first report on the prevalence of ticks in goats in the Sibi District of Balochistan, Pakistan.
- Research Article
4
- 10.1007/s11250-025-04330-w
- Feb 26, 2025
- Tropical animal health and production
- Khalid Jabar Aziz + 1 more
Theileria spp. are a group of hemoprotozoal parasites pose a significant threat to small ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Because of that and due to the limited data on the genetic diversity of Theileria species in Erbil Governorate, northern Iraq, this study was conducted to assess the prevalence of Theileria spp. in sheep and goats using both Giemsa-stained blood smears and PCR methods as a diagnostic criterion. The overall infection rate detected by blood smears was 26.2% in sheep and 18.3% in goats, while PCR showed higher infection rates, 47.7% in sheep and 38.3% in goats. PCR analysis identified various Theileria species, including T. ovis, T. lestoquardi, T. uilenbergi, and T. annulata, each displaying different prevalence rates. Significantly, T. lestoquardi had the highest rate of single infections, especially in goats, with an infection rate of 34.8%. Mixed infections were prevalent, occurring in 22.6% of sheep and 26.1% of goats, primarily involving T. ovis and T. lestoquardi. An assessment of factors influencing infection rates revealed that tick infestation and irregular use of acaricides were significant risk factors. Sheep with tick infestations exhibited a 59% infection rate, while goats had an infection rate of 44.25%. Regular use of acaricides was associated with a reduction in prevalence in both species. Additionally, animals with a history of tick infestations and those in communal grazing systems demonstrated higher infection rates. The sequence analysis of isolates from sheep and goats, based on the 18S rRNA gene, identified several species. The identified species have been deposited in the NCBI with the following accession numbers: T. ovis (PQ325696, PQ325698), T. lestoquardi (PQ325701, PQ325702), T. uilenbergi (PQ325706, PQ325707), and T. annulata (PQ325699, PQ325700). The findings from this investigation offer valuable insights into the genetic diversity and epidemiology of Theileria species in sheep and goats. It can be concluded that periodically controlling vector ticks and arthropods is an important factor in controlling and reducing the spread of theileriosis in targeted domestic animals.