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In Pakistan, parasitic infections are among major constraints to animal production. Gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites cause huge economic loßes (direct or indirect) to livestock. In Pakistan, distribution and effect of GI parasitism in sheep is not very well studied. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of GI parasites in sheep population of Sialkot district, Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, 384 faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of sheep and examined for faecal egg counts by using a modified McMaster method. The overall prevalence of GI parasites in study district was 32.6%. Prevalence of GI parasites was found to be significantly higher (P<0.05) in ewes than rams; however, age and breed was found to be non-significant (P>0.05). The endoparasites identified in sheep included Fasciola (F.) hepatica (3.1%), F. gigantica (5.2%), Haemonchus contortus (23.4%), Eimeria crandallis (18.2%), Gongylonema pulchrum (7.5%), and Trichostrongylus sp. (12.2%). Among variables like age, sex and breed (Thalli, Kajli, Fat-tailed and Salt range), only sex was found significant in district Sialkot during autumn 2014. The degree (severity) of GI parasitic infection was also determined from the total faecal egg count and an insignificant difference (P>0.05) in the eggs per gram count was determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal parasites are responsible for heavy economic and production losses in bovines. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths of bovine in different zones of Rawalpindi district. Study area was divided into four different zones. Feacal samples (n=670) were collected and examined through coprological examination techniques. Out of examined samples, 158 were found to be positive for the GI helminths. The overall prevalence of GI helminths recorded was 23.58 %. In cattle the prevalence was 25.87 % whereas, in buffaloes it was 20.83 %. The prevalence percentages of nematodes, trematodes and cestodes was 17.46, 4.78 and 1.34%, respectively. Maximum prevalence was observed during summer and was the highest in the month of June. Prevalence was higher in adult and females as compared to young and males. It was concluded that specie, age and season are important factors which influence the prevalence of GI helminths in bovine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parasitological examination of 275 faecal samples from Arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) collected at Zackenberg Valley and Karupelv Valley in north-east Greenland from 2006 to 2008 was conducted using sieving and microscopy. Overall, 125 (45.5%) samples contained parasite eggs of Taenia crassiceps, Taenia serialis, Toxascaris leonina, Eucoleus boehmi, Physalopteridae and Ancylostomatidae, and Strongyloides-like larvae. As long-term ecological studies are conducted at both sampling locations, the present findings constitute a baseline data set for further parasitological monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]