Spatial Epidemiology and Risk Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Small Ruminants Across Agroclimatic Zones of Punjab, India

This cross-sectional study examined 1,838 small ruminants (661 sheep and 1,227 goats) to investigate the spatial epidemiology and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) through coprological analysis across all twenty-two districts within five agroclimatic zones of Punjab, India.

Classical parasitological coprological techniques were employed to confirm the endemic nature of gastrointestinal parasitism, assess infection intensity (EPG) and determine risk factors across all agroclimatic zones of Punjab, India.

An alarming overall copro-prevalence of 83.46% was recorded (85.60% in sheep; 82.40% in goats). Dual infections (38.47%) were significantly higher (χ²: 270.044, P<0.01) than single (21.87%) and multiple infections (22.23%), highlighting polyparasitism as a critical health challenge. Quantitative assessment indicated 36.72% mild (EPG 100–1000), 23.47% light (EPG 1000–3000), 3.16% moderate (EPG 3000–4000) and 6.75% heavy infections (mean EPG >4000). Females and adult ruminants (>6 months) were at significantly higher risk (χ²: 8.653, P<0.01). Highest prevalence was in the central plain zone (86.30%) and lowest in the western plain zone (73.43%). Binary logistic regression indicated significant association (P<0.01) in Barnala, Ludhiana, Moga, SAS Nagar, Mohali and Sangrur districts. The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted control programs, particularly in the southern regions of Punjab. Detailed spatial distribution maps of these cases to serve as a vital resource for veterinary practitioners and policymakers are presented.