Helminths and Coccidia of Markhor (Capra falconeri) in Kazinag National Park, Jammu and Kashmir, India

A coprological analysis was carried out from October 2016 to September 2019 to determine the prevalence and associated determinants of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parasites in Markhor Capra falconeri of Kazinag National Park, India. Fecal floatation and sedimentation technique revealed 150 pellet samples out of 248 pellet samples were positive for one or more parasites. Out of 248 pellet samples 147 (9.27%) were found positive for helminth and three (1.20%) were positive for protozoan. In this study six helminth species were detected, including five nematodes, one cestode and a protozoan: Haemonchus spp. (27.30%), Ostertagia spp. (11.15%), Trichuris spp. (5%), Chabertia spp.(4.23%), Cooperia spp. (3.07%), Moniezia spp. (1.15%), and Eimeria spp. (1.15%). The egg per gram (epg) of pellets was recorded highest for Haemonchus spp. (1500-2000 ± 210) followed by Ostertagia spp. (820-930 ± 55), Trichuris spp. (660-850 ± 80) Chabertia spp. (600-750 ± 86), Cooperia spp. (800-1200 ± 158) and Moniezia spp. (320-450 ± 42). Mixed infections were recorded in15samples. The cyst per gram for Eimeria spp. was found to be (320-562 ± 97). Highest prevalence of parasite egg/cystin pellets was recorded during summer season (70.42%) followed by autumn (58.73%) and least prevalence was recorded in winter (51.47%), with significant variation in prevalence. It is the pioneering study on this wild goat in the study area and the findings can assist to devise the appropriate control measures and prophylactic strategies against the GIT parasites of Markhor (Capra falconeri).