Prevalence and morphology of ectoparasites in goats from Tripura, India

Goats are a vital part of the livestock industry and play a significant role in the socioeconomic lives of poor and marginalized farmers.This study provides baseline data on the prevalence of various ectoparasites in goats in Agartala, Tripura.A total of 478 goats of various ages and sexes were examined over one year to determine the prevalence and morphological identification of different ectoparasites.The results showed that the overall prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation was 82.42% (394/478).Among the ectoparasites, fleas had the highest prevalence at 78.45%, followed by ticks (71.96%), lice (36.61%), and mites (13.38%).Morphological analysis identified three species of fleas (Ctenocephalides felis orientis, C. canis, and C. felis felis), two species of ticks (Haemaphysalis bispinosa and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus), two species of lice (Linognathus africanus and Damalinia (Bovicola) caprae) and two species of mites (Sarcoptes scabiei var.caprae and Demodex caprae).The study also revealed that female goats and those older than one year had higher infestation rates.Though prevalence of ectoparasite was recorded throughout the year but highest prevalence was seen in monsoon (tick) and winter season (lice, flea, mite).As far as we are aware, this is the first study on the prevalence of various ectoparasites in goats in Agartala, Tripura.The data generated can help formulate effective control strategies against ectoparasites in goats in the study area and the entire state.