A field survey on the status of gastrointestinal helminth parasites in hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) in Dachigam National Park of Kashmir.
One year crossectional survey was carried out to determine and describe the prevalence and intensity of gastrointestinal parasite infections in hangul (Cervus elaphus hanglu) in Dachigam National Park of Kashmir through faecal examinations. Out of 153 faecal samples examined, 82 (53.59 %) were found infected with GIT helminthes. In present study seven helminth species were found, including five nematode [Haemonchus contortus (55.39 %), Trichuris ovis (39.75 %), Dictyocaulus viviparus (28.4.00 %), Oesophogostomum circumcincta (13.7 %) and Chabertia ovina (4.02 %)] one trematode [Fasciola hepatica (17.3 %)] and one cestode species [Moneizia expansa (6.05 %)]. Based on the severity of infection 81.7 % of hangul positive samples were severely infected (epg > 1,500), 8.3 % heavily infected (epg = 1,100-1,500), 3.8 % moderately infected (epg = 800-1,000) and 7.2 % mildly infected (epg = 500). Season, sex and age were the factors that influenced the epidemiological prevalence of GIT helminths in hangul in the present study. The maximum helminth infection was observed in summer season and lowest in winter (P = 0.003). Lower age groups were more infected than adult animals (P > 0.05). Prevalence was higher in males than females (P > 0.05). The present study will initially be of great significance to add to existing knowledge of the epidemiology of GIT helminth of hangul which is the pioneering study on this animal in the valley and the findings will be quite helpful to devise the appropriate control and prophylactic strategies for GIT helminthiasis of hangul in the Dachigam national park.
Parasitology Research Lab., Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006 India.
Bashir A
BA
Lone
Parasitology Research Lab., Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006 India.
M Z
MZ
Chishti
Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006 India.
Fayaz
F
Ahmad
Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006 India.
Hidayatullah
H
Tak
Microbiology Research Lab., Centre of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006 India.
Suhaib A
SA
Bandh
Department of Zoology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, 190006 India.
Abida
A
Khan
Dachigam national park; Epidemiology; Hangul; Helminth; Prevalence; Season; Sex