Parasitic infections and control approaches in Rajasthan: Present and future perspectives

Parasites and parasitism are major constraints to economic gains from animals especially in developing countries like India, in terms of reduced production, control, treatment and mortality costs. Rajasthan, contributing 7.22% and 12.47% in national bovine population, consists of 13.9 million cattle and 13.7 million buffaloes with 6^th and 2^nd position in cattle and buffalo populations, respectively in India (DAHD, 2019). Based on its diversified ambiences viz. climatic parameters, cropping pattern and irrigation availability and arid conditions, state has been divided into ten agro-climatic zones (ACZ). Major parasitic infections viz.Haemonchus sp. Oesophagostomum sp., Cooperia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongyloides sp. and Ostertagia sp. have been reported in the dairy animals from different parts of the state in variable prevalence rates and associated risk factors (Choudhary et al 2018 a,b; Panwar et al 2018, 2019).  As far as the control and management of these infections, it is primarily dependent on the anthelmintic approach presented in Table 1