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The burgeoning population of livestock within protected areas exacerbates the transmission risk of parasitic diseases among vulnerable wild ungulates. This study, conducted in the Bani Wildlife Sanctuary nestled in the western Himalayas, focused on the peak periods of livestock grazing (June-October) in 2021 and 2022 to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic sheep and goats. A comprehensive examination involved the collection of 230 faecal samples (125 from goats and 105 from sheep) from various locations within the sanctuary, followed by analysis using established sedimentation and floatation techniques. Our findings revealed the presence of 10 distinct parasite taxa, encompassing one coccidian cyst, one cestode, two trematodes, and six nematodes. Comparative analysis with documented parasites infecting wild ungulates underscores the considerable potential for cross-transmission via the faecal-oral route. Notably, the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite taxa stood at 83.72% in goats and 74.35% in sheep, indicating their heightened susceptibility and potential contribution to pasture infectivity, surpassing that of wild ungulates. These findings suggest a significantly elevated risk of gastrointestinal parasitic transmission from domestic animals to their wild counterparts. Consistent with comparable studies, evidence suggests a correlation between parasite infection in livestock and sympatric wild ungulates, suggesting the perpetuation of these infections within the shared ecosystem. To mitigate this risk, we advocate for the regulation of anthelmintic treatment for domestic livestock and the implementation of grazing zonation strategies to curtail parasite transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The current study was undertaken to evaluate the seasonal dependency and prevalence of gastrointestinal roundworms (nematodes) infecting domestic fowls (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Kashmir. Materials and Methods: From August 2017 through July 2019, the investigation was undertaken during each of the four seasons. We tested 400 guts obtained from varied places around the Kashmir valley for nematode infestation. The nematodes found within the digestive tract were collected and identified using a variety of identification keys under the microscope. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used to analyze the data (version 20). Chi-square (X2) test was carried out to analyze the sample data. Results: 196 hosts were infected with various nematodes, indicating an overall prevalence of 49% (196/400). The findings revealed that the prevalence of Ascaridia galli was 32.97% (61/185) in the first year and 35.34% (76/215) in the second year. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 20.80% (38/185) in the first year and 24.18% (52/215) in the second year, whereas Capillaria spp. had a prevalence rate of 10.81% (20/185) in the first year and 12.55% (27/215) in the second year. The overall prevalence of A. galli was determined to be 34.25% in both years (August 2017-July 2019), with a mean intensity of 4.86. Summer months had the highest parasitic load. Heterakis gallinarum had a prevalence rate of 22.5% and a mean intensity of 26.83. Summer was shown to have the most considerable parasitic burden. Capillaria spp. had an overall prevalence of 11.75% and a mean intensity of 4.59; autumn had the highest parasite load. The most abundant species was identified as A. galli. It was shown that there is a significant (p < 0.01) link between seasonality and helminth parasite prevalence. Conclusion: The study's findings indicate that these gastrointestinal nematodes are ubiquitous throughout the year, but are particularly abundant in the summer and fall seasons among domestic poultry in the study area. This study on the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in Gallus gallus domesticus demonstrates the seasonality of infection rates and also offers various methods and techniques for framing effective strategies for controlling these helminthes to maximize profit from backyard chicken farming. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India has the highest burden of both Tuberculosis and MDR‑Tuberculosis based on estimates reported in the Global Tuberculosis Report 2016. The estimates have been revised upwards based on the newer evidence, and the current study was done to estimate the prevalence of bacteriologically positive pulmonary Tuberculosis among the adult population and to provide baseline information for future measurements of Tuberculosis burden and trends. Methods: A cluster‑based sampling design was adopted in 10 districts of Kashmir valley in India. Assuming a prevalence of 217 per lakh population, a design effect of 2.5, a relative precision of 0.25% and the expected participation rate of 80%, a sample size of 49,716 was achieved. A total of 67 clusters were identified where each cluster had 750 subjects aged ≥15 years, and eligible individuals were questioned for pulmonary symptoms suggestive of Tuberculosis. Results: Of the total 42,805 that were interviewed, 3.85% had pulmonary Tuberculosis symptoms. A total of 1539 sputum samples were collected from symptomatic and 1351 chest X‑ rays were done. Cartridge based nucleic acid amplification test (CBNAAT) tests were done on individuals with suspicious X‑ray findings. The prevalence of bacteriologically positive pulmonary Tuberculosis was found to be 147 per 100,000 population. Females are affected more than males, and the age of female Tuberculosis patients is less than that of males. Conclusion: The study is the first survey of its kind providing a baseline for further research in the state. CBNAAT is going to be game‑changer which surmounts the drawbacks of sputum smear microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]