PREVALENCE OF NEMATODE PARASITE AMONG GOATS IN TEHSIL MUZAFFARGARH

This research is focused on the Prevalence of Nematode Parasite among goats in Tehsil Muzaffargarh, Southern Punjab, and Pakistan. Gastrointestinal nematode infections represent a major constraint to goat health and productivity, particularly in regions where traditional farming systems and uncontrolled grazing are practiced. The study aimed to identify and classify the major nematode species infecting goats, determine their prevalence and distribution, and assess environmental and management-related factors influencing parasite transmission. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 goats, including 50 domestically fed and 50 wild feeding animals, randomly selected from multiple locations. Fresh fecal samples were collected directly from the rectum and examined using the sedimentation technique for the detection of nematode eggs, larvae, and adult stages. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, and logistic regression, with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. The results revealed a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes, with Haemonchus contortus being the dominant species (31%), followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (14%) and Trichuris spp. (11%). Wild feeding goats exhibited significantly higher infection rates compared to domestically fed goats, particularly among females, across all developmental stages (P = 0.01–0.05). These findings highlight the influence of grazing behavior, environmental exposure, and management practices on nematode transmission. In conclusion, gastrointestinal nematode infections impose a substantial burden on goat populations in the study area, emphasizing the need for strategic deworming, improved pasture management, and routine parasitological monitoring to enhance goat health and productivity under local field conditions.