Archives

Page No. : 41-44

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium spp. infection was recorded in lambs of Kashmir valley with an overall prevalence of 38.18%. The infection was high in diarrhoeic (43.72%) than non-diarrhoeic (29.87%) lambs. Prevalence was significantly higher (P<0.001) in herds having > 50 animals (46.15%) as compared to those having < 50 animals (28.81%). Association between cryptosporidial infection and diarrhoea was more frequent (P<0.001) in lambs of I day to < 1 month of age (66.67%) than lambs of > 1 month of age group (29.86%). Seasonal prevalence was significantly higher (P<0.001) during winter/spring (46.70%) as compared to during summer/autumn (27.75%). Excretion of cryptosporidial oocysts was significantly higher (55.77%) in lambs of < 1 month age during winter. However, there was no significant differ- ence in cryptosporidial infection with regard to sex of animals.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium spp., sheep