PREVALENCE AND SEASONAL DYNAMICS OF HAEMONCHUS CONTORTUS IN CAPRA HIRCUS FROM TRIBAL DISTRICT NANDURBAR, (M.S.), INDIA

A survey was conducted to ascertain the prevalence, infection indices and seasonal variation of Haemonchus contortus in domestic goats (Capra hircus) in the tribal district of Nandurbar, Maharashtra, India, over one year (June 2024–May 2025). Whole gastrointestinal tracts and fecal samples were collected from slaughtered goats and local livestock markets. The parasites isolated from the abomasum were identified, counted and recorded monthly. Overall, 98 out of 211 goats surveyed were positive for H. contortus infection, representing a prevalence of 46.45%. The mean intensity and abundance of infection were 246.3 and 114.4, respectively. The highest prevalence (67.12%), mean intensity (341.2) and abundance (229.0) were recorded in the monsoon season, whereas the lowest prevalence (22.58%), mean intensity (113.6) and abundance (25.6) were observed in the dry summer. The high relative humidity and mild temperatures characteristic of the rainy season create favourable microclimatic conditions for larval development and pasture contamination. This study provides epidemiological baseline information that may be used to formulate effective control measures against haemonchosis in small ruminants of this tribal region.