Prevalence of Ectoparasites of Ruminants in Tehsil Nikayal, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir
This study was conducted to determine seasonal prevalence of ectoparasites of ruminants in Tehsil Nikayal, District Kotli, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Surveys were carried out from July 2015 to December 2015. A total of 200 animals were selected randomly observed for prevalence of ectoparasites. Ectoparasites were collected from parts including inside the ears, on tail, undersides the neck and belly sides and stored in 70% ethyl alcohol. The highest prevalence of ectoparasites was 7.5% during the month of July followed by 6% during August, 6% September, 4.5% October, 1.5% November and 0.5% during December. The results showed that ectoparasites were more prevalent during summer months than winter months. It is concluded that integrated control measures with sustainable veterinary services should be planned to reduce ectoparasite numbers and impact on the productivity and health status of ruminants.