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Global Veterinaria 12 (2): 158-164, 2014ISSN 1992-6197© IDOSI Publications, 2014DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gv.2014.12.02.8286

Corresponding Author: Asif Iqbal, Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.Cell: +92-300-6560477.

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Prevalence and Impacts of Ectoparasitic Fauna Infesting Goats (Capra hircus)of District Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan

Asif Iqbal, Faisal Siddique, Muhammad Shahid Mahmood, Asim Shamim, 1 2 2 1

Tayyab Zafar, Imaad Rasheed, Ijaz Saleem and Waheed Ahmad3 3 3 4

Department of Parasitology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan1

Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan2

Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan3

Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 4

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract: The current study was conducted to define the prevalence and associated determinants ofectoparasitic fauna infesting domestic goats of district Toba Tek Singh (T.T. Singh), Punjab, Pakistan. Overallprevalence was found 11.14% (448/4020). Among various ectoparasites, ticks (33.58%) were found predominantas compared to lice (9.58%), fleas (6.84%), mites (3.23%) and flies (2.49%). Hyalomma anatolicum (20.39%),Rhipicephalus microplus (13.18%), Ctenocepahlides felis (4.35%), Ctenocepahlides canis (2.48%),Haematopinus spp. (3.48%), Damalinia spp. (3.23%), Linognathus spp. (2.73%), Psoroptes ovis (2.23%),Sarcoptes scabei (0.99%) and Hypoderma ovis (3.42%) were the prevalent species of ectoparasites. Age, sexand breed of host were not found positively associated with the prevalence of ectoparasites. Among varioushusbandry practices, floor pattern was found having significant variation, while feeding system, housingsystem and animal keeping were not found significantly (P>0.05) associated with the prevalence ofectoparasites. Seasonal trend showed highest prevalence of fleas, lice and mites during the months of winterwhile peak frequency distribution of ticks and flies was recorded during summer and spring months,respectively. Comparison of hematological parameters showed low values in positive animals, while an increasewas recorded in biochemical parameters due to infestation. The fallout of the present study may play significantrole for planning an effective control of ectoparasites in the study area.

Key words: Prevalence Ectoparasites Goat Heamatological Biochemical Parameters Toba Tek Singh

INTRODUCTION direct damage to animals due to their blood feeding

Goats (Capra hircus) induct an imperative cradle of [6]. Self-wounding due to rubbing and transmission ofvital proteins in many poor regions through meat and milk various pathogens are also the biggest source of losses[1]. In some parts of the world, they are kept as a mean of in animals [7- 9]. procurement quick cash and for cultural functions, Ectoparasites have been recognized as the seriouscontributing to income generation and food security. threat to domestic animals causing severe irritation,Parasitic infestations have significant impact on allergy and toxicosis. Additionally, they also have beenhusbandry, productivity and welfare of livestock round known to transmit various protozoal and bacterialthe globe [2]. Some parasitic infestations even cause diseases in man and animals [10-13]. Periodicdeath when the control measures are neglected [3]. investigations of the prevalence and associated risk

Reduction in weight gain, lowered productivity and factors of ectoparasites are required to foresee the impactdamage of hide quality are the major activities performed of ectoparasites in the particular locality. Differentby the ectoparasites in goats [4, 5]. They can also cause investigations have been made in various parts of

activities and can transmit many pathogenic organisms

Global Veterinaria, 12 (2): 158-164, 2014

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Pakistan on ectoparasites [12, 14]. Up till now, as there is as young. Animals were divided into two categoriesno information about the ectoparasites of district T.T. (male and female) on the basis of sex. The breeds of goatsSingh, so this study was designed for the determination included were Beetle, Teddy, Dera Din Pannah and Desiof the prevalence and associated risk factors of of the study area. The positive animals were furtherectoparasites infesting goats of district T.T. Singh and to observed for association of husbandry practices with thecompare the hematological and biochemical parameters of prevalence (%) of ectoparasites.infested and non-infested animals in study area. The data about temperature, relative humidity and

MATERIALS AND METHODS obtained from the meteorological department of Pakistan.

Study Area: The detailed geography, climatic conditions both), housing system (open/ close/ semi-close), floorand seasonal variations of district T.T. Singh has been pattern (non-cemented/ cemented/ partially cemented) anddescribed earlier by Iqbal et al. [15]. Physical map of the animal keeping (rope tied/ open) were the observedstudy area has been shown in figure 1. husbandry practices. The selected animals were screened

Sampling Units: The present study was cros-sectional presence of ectoparasites by using magnifying glass.and prospective from April, 2011-March, 2012. By Infested animals were segregated for collection ofapplying two stage cluster random sampling, 150 samples/specimens. Collection of the specimens wasfarms comprising of 4020 goats were randomly made by using forceps [17], while for mites, skin scrapingsselected. A pilot study of the questionnaire was used were taken by following the method described byto refine the questions and their multiple choices. Fthenakis et al. [18]. All specimens were preserved inAll information were collected on a pre-designed glycerin alcohol (95 parts of alcohol and 5 parts glycerin)questionnaire. Questionnaire was refined through formal in McCartney bottles. All specimens were taxonomicallyand informal testing [16]. identified by using description and specific keys [17].

The animals of the study area were divided into Blood samples (5-10ml) were collected from jugular veinvarious categories based on their age ranges. Animals of using a sterile syringe in screw capped bottles containing(>6 months), were considered as adult and (0-6 months) 5mg EDTA as preservative.

rain fall of the study area for the year 2011-12 was

During study, feeding system (grazing /stall feeding/

fortnightly through ante mortem examination for the

Fig. 1: Physical Map of District Toba Tek Singh, Punjab, Pakistan


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For hematological studies, blood samples werecollected from infested and non-infested domestic animalsand compare the parameters (including; erythrocyte, totalleukocyte counts, differential leukocytic count (DLC),Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit (PCV).Similarly, serum total protein, serum albumin and serumglobulin were calculated through standard proceduredescribed by Lorin [19]. The collected data was analyzedusing multiple logistic regressions. Factors with pairedcharacteristics were analyzed by using Odd’s Ratio. SASsoftware package 2010 was used for the analysis at 95%confidence level. Fig. 2: Prevalance of ectoparasites infesting goat

RESULTS

Over all prevalence of ectoparasites was found were found higher than Sr. scabei (0.99%; 8/804). While(11.14%; 448/4020). Among these, ticks were found only one species of flies i.e. Hypoderma Ovis (3.42%;predominant (33.58%; 270/804; P<0.05) as compared to lice 2.49%; 20/804) was found prevalent in the study area as(9.58%; 77/804), fleas (6.84%; 55/804), mites (3.23%; shown in table 1. Host related determinants, like age, sex26/804) and flies (2.49%; 20/804) as shown in figure 2. and breed were not found having any significant (P>0.05)

In ticks, the prevalence of Hyalomma anatolicum influence over the prevalence of ectoparasites.(20.39%; 164/804) was higher (P<0.05; OR= 1.75) compared In different observed management and husbandrywith Rhipicephalus microplus (13.18%; 106/804). Between practices, the prevalence of ectoparasites was foundthe identified species of fleas, the prevalence of highest in animals kept on non-cemented (6.64%;Ctenocepahlides felis was found higher (4.35%; 35/804; 267/4020; OR= 2.17) followed in order by partiallyP<0.05; OR= 1.94) as compared to Ctenocepahlides canis cemented (3.05%; 123/4020; OR= 1.29) and cemented floor(2.48%; 20/804). In lice, Haematopinus spp. (3.48%; 28/804 (1.44%; 58/4020) while feeding system, housing systemP<0.05; OR= 3.97) was found predominant followed in and animal keeping were not found associated with theorder by Damalinia spp. (3.23%; 26/804; OR= 2.53) and prevalence of ectoparasites (P>0.05) as shown in theLinognathus spp. (2.73%; 22/804). In mites, the table 1. Seasonal study showed highest prevalence of

population of district T.T. Singh

prevalence of P. ovis (2.23%; 18/804; P<0.05; OR= 1.97)

Fig. 3: Seasonal Prevalence of Ectoparasitic Fauna Infesting Goat Population of District Toba Tek Singh


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Table 1: Association of various determinants with frequency distribution of ectoparasitic fauna infesting goat population of district T.T. Singh

Determinants Variables Levels Prevalence (%) Odds Ratio P-value

Prevalent Ectoparasites Tick Hyalomma anatolicum 20.39% (164/804) 1.75 0.001Boophilus microplus 13.18% (106/804) - -

Flea Ctenocepahlides felis 4.35% (35/804) 1.94 0.002Ct. canis 2.48% (20/804) - -

Lice Haematopinus spp. 3.48% (28/804) 3.97 0.001Damalinia ovis 3.23% (26/804) 2.53 0.005Linognathus vituli 2.73% (22/804) - 0.004

Flies Hypoderma ovis 2.49% (20/804) - -Mite Psoroptes ovis 2.23% (18/804) 1.97 0.010

Sarcoptes scabei 0.99% (8/804) - -

Husbandry Practices Feeding system Grazing 3.75% (151/4020) 1.00 0.058Stall feeding 4.60% (185/4020) 1.01 0.053Both 2.78% (112/4020) - 0.052

Housing system Open 3.53% (142/4020) 1.01 0.061Close 2.76% (111/4020) 1.02 0.059Semi close 4.85% (195/4020) - 0.073

Floor pattern Kacha 6.64% (267/4020) 2.1 0.001Partially cemented 3.05% (123/4020) 1.2 0.004Cemented 1.44% (58/4020) - 0.005

Animal Keeping Open 5.99% (241/4020) 1.02 0.057Rope tied 5.14% (207/4020) - 0.059

Host Determinants Sex Ectoparasites Male (N=435) Female (N=369) - -Ticks 33.10% (144) 34.15% (126) 1.05 0.056Fleas 8.51% (37) 4.88% (18) 0.55 0.051Lice 10.11% (44) 8.94% (33) 0.87 0.057Flies 2.30% (10) 2.71% (10) 1.18 0.111Mites 2.76% (12) 3.79% (14) 1.39 0.071

Age Ectoparasites Young (N=495) Adult (N=309) - -Ticks 35.15% (174) 31.07% (96) 0.83 0.053Fleas 6.06% (30) 8.09% (25) 1.36 0.058Lice 10.10% (50) 8.74% (27) 0.85 0.061Flies 2.42% (12) 2.59% (8) 1.07 0.82Mites 5.25% (16) 3.24% (10) 0.60 0.065

Breed Beetle 11.28% (141/1250) 1.09 0.052Teddy 11.84% (116/980) 1.15 0.067Dera Din Pannah 13.33% (20/150) 1.32 0.071Desi 10.43% (171/1640) - 0.054

Table 2: Comparison of hematological and biochemical profile of infested and non-infested goats of district T.T. Singh

Sr. No. Components Healthy animal (Mean ± S.E.) Infested animal (Mean ± S.E.)

Hematological Parameters Hb( g/100ml) 14.0 ± 0.16 9.5 ± 0.63PCV (%) 35.04 ± 0.22 28.60 ± 0.74TEC(10 /mm ) 13.8 ± 0.8 8.90 ± 0.546 3

TLC(10 /mm ) 15.2 ± 0.32 12.45 ± 0.193 3

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Lymphocytes 60 ± 0.39 71.41 ± 3.20Neutrophils 31 ± 0.89 17.17 ± 1.56Eosinophils 7 ± 0.37 10.27 ± 1.90Monocytes 2 ± 0.41 1.29 ± 0.33

Biochemical parameters Total protein (gm/dl) 6.4±3.9 8.1±1.2Albumin (gm/dl) 3.2±5.7 4.1±1.1Globulin (gm/dl) 3.6±5.2 4.0±0.2


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fleas and mites in winter while prevalence of ticks and flies Seasonal dynamics of ectoparasitic load observedwas found at their peak in the months of summer andspring seasons respectively as shown in figure 3.Comparison of hematological parameters showedremarkable differences between infested and non-infestedanimals, in the form of low values of infested animals.Whereas, the values of biochemical parameters increasesdue to infestation as shown in table 2.

DISCUSSION

Ectoparasites like ticks, lice, mites, fleas and fliesidentified during present survey have also been reportedby previous other workers [2, 12, 20, 21] in various partsof the world. The prevalence of ticks reported in currentstudy fall in the prevalence range of 10.14-84.30%recorded from other regions of the world [20- 22]. Thishigh variation in distribution could be due to variedgeographical and climatic conditions of any area. Threespecies of lice reported from study area has also beenrecorded in different parts of world with the prevalencerange of 1.9-94% [2, 6, 23, 24] which may depend on manyfactors like herd size, husbandry and managementpractices. Report of mite infestation of present survey isvery similar to other scientists [2, 12] who recorded that7% and 5.19% mite infestation in animals. Reports of fleainfestation in ruminants are not very common. In Israel,Japan and Brazil Ct. felis has the major cause of disease inruminants [25, 26]. Ct. canis have been reported inNigerian goats [25]. Local breed of goat carried markedlylower ectoparasitic loads than cross bred. This suggeststhat indigenous goat could have a higher innate and/oracquired resistance. This agrees with results of Sajid etal.[14] that recorded breed susceptibility to ectoparasiticinfestation in ruminants and demonstrated lowestprevalence in indigenous breed. It has been reported thatthe local breeds have lower ectoparasitic countscompared to exotic breeds [27]. He described that eventhough the mechanism of resistance is not fullyunderstood, it could be related to a pre-immunity toectoparasites often established through continuouscontact with the infectious agents from early stage in life[28]. Avoidance behaviour, skin hypersensitivity andincreased grooming may also contribute to increasedresistance of the local breed to ectoparasites. Age and sexwere not found associated risk factors (P>0.05)influencing prevalence of ectoparasites. It was assumedthat age and sex did not affect ectoparasitic load inruminants [29].

during the survey of other investigators who observedhigh ectoparasitic count during the hot-wet season[27, 30, 31]. The higher ectoparasitic prevalence and loadsobserved in the hot-wet season than in the cool-dryseason could be attributed to the more conduciveconditions for their proliferation and survival during thisseason. Accelerated ectoparasitic proliferation occurswhen environmental temperatures and humidity are high[32, 33]. Results about different management andhusbandry conditions were very similar to those reportedby Sajid et al. [5] from districts Muzaffar Garrrah &Layyah, Pakistan. There was a strong associationbetween floor pattern and ectoparasitic prevalence beinghigher prevalence in non-cemented floor. Ectoparasitesconsume host’s erythrocytes which tend to reduce theTEC in affected subjects [34]. This also results loweringof Hb concentration hematocrit and erythrocyte instabilityand reduced PCV and increased ESR. Infested animalspresented eosinophilia, which could be due to allergicreactions caused by mites or their products ofprovocative reactions or due to the activation of immunesystem. In contrary to the findings of present study, someobserved no change in the blood of small ruminantssuffering from sarcoptic mange which might be due tolower quantitative burden of mites that the TEC is directlyrelated to degree of infestation [25]. Marked increase ofTP in ectoparasites infested subjects [35] is due toincreased albumin fraction. DLC revealed significantlylower numbers of neutrophils, lymphocytes andmonocytes in infested as compared to healthy animals.

The present study calls for special ectoparasitecontrol intercession in the district for valuable productionof skin and to upsurge the efficiency of small ruminants.Findings of our study provided possible indicatorsassociated with the ectoparasitic infestation in the T.T.Singh which will be a source of guidance for poor farmingcommunity to get maximum economic return of goatfarming through utilization of maximum genetic potentialto produce. We believe that implementation of appropriatehusbandry practices and special attention for the youngerand female goats before onset of parasitic threat.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This study is a part of research conducted in atechnology transfer project funded by the EndowmentFund Secretariat, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad,


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