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Page No. : 49–52

ABSTRACT

A study was undertaken to determine the incidence of myiasis in goats and sheep presented for slaughter in urban and semi-urban slaughter facilities in Jammu. A total of 250 sheep and 300 goats were subjected to ante-mortem and post-mortem examination. Animals showing nodular swellings under the skin, particularly on the dorsal aspect, were examined thoroughly after dressing. The economic loss due to trimming of edible tissues/muscles was also estimated. A higher proportion of goats (95%) compared to sheep (80%) were found infested. Among the infected animals, heavy infestation was observed in 66% of goats and 34% of sheep. Depending on the degree of infestation and distribution of nodules, an average loss of 0.5–0.8 kg of edible meat per animal was recorded. This corresponded to an estimated economic loss of approximately Rs. 50–80 per animal at prevailing market rates.

Keywords: Myiasis, Sheep, Goat, Incidence, Jammu