Studies on the Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Free Ranging Indian Bison in Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Rashmi Lata Rakesh *
Livestock Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, India.
Shiv Kumar Sidar
Livestock Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, India.
Swarnlata Bara
Department of Livestock Production and Management, KDC- College of Agriculture and Research Station Saja, Bemetara (C.G), India.
Anish Kumar Sonwani
Livestock Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, India.
Preety Singh
Veterinary Pathology, College of Vety. Sci. &A.H., Bilaspur, DSVCKV Durg (C.G.), India.
Lokesh Kumar Verma
Livestock Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, India.
Somesh Kumar Joshi
Livestock Development Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The investigation was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in free-ranging Indian Bison inhabiting Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary. A total of 60 fecal samples were collected over a 12-month period encompassing summer, rainy, and winter seasons. Samples were examined using direct smear, sedimentation, and flotation techniques to identify parasitic ova. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was recorded at 68.33%. Among the identified parasites, Strongyle spp. showed the highest occurrence (31.66%), followed by Amphistome spp. (26.66%), Trichuris spp. (6.66%), and Fasciola spp. (3.33%). Seasonal analysis indicated a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in prevalence rates, with the highest occurrence during the rainy season (85%), followed by winter (80%) and summer (40%). Strongyle spp. prevalence was comparatively higher during winter, whereas Amphistome spp. exhibited greater prevalence during the rainy season, reflecting seasonal variation in parasite dynamics.
Keywords: Indian Bison, gastrointestinal parasites, prevalence, Barnawapara wildlife sanctuary