Abstract

An investigation was carried out to measure the prevalence of ecto- and endopatasites in semi-scavenging black bengal goat (Capra hircus) at Pahartali Thana under Chittagong district, Bangladesh during the period of February to May/2006. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in goat were 63.41% (N=317). In these positive samples, Strongyloides spp. (51.74%) was more prevalent and Moniezia sp. and Capillaria sp. were least prevalent (n=201). The gastrointestinal parasitic load of goats varied from egg per gram (epg) 0 to 1600. Faecal sample evaluation shows, 36.95% and 13.56% goats were loaded epg 0 and 300, respectively. Age was evident as risk factor where older goats (> 24 month) were more infected by endoparasites than younger ones (< 24 month) in this study (p < 0.05). Irrespective of factors, the prevalence of ecto- and endoparasites has been quite high. So, the preventive measurement should be adopted for this goat population. As goats are infected with ecto- and endoparasites, broad spectrum anthelmintics might be judicious choice. As older goats are more susceptible than younger ones for endoparasites, the grazing habit should be restricted.

Key words: Black bengal goat, prevalence survey, ecto-and endoparasites.