Prevalence of Endoparasites in Small Ruminants in Siirt Province, Türkiye

Objective: Endoparasitic diseases continue to cause significant morbidity and economic losses in small ruminants across diverse climatic and geographical regions worldwide. This study was conducted to determine the current prevalence of endoparasitic infections affecting small ruminant production in the province of Siirt, to identify interspecies differences, and to evaluate the region-specific epidemiological profile. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out between September and December 2024 in livestock enterprises located in the Siirt city center and six surrounding districts. Fecal samples from a total of 500 small ruminants (250 sheep and 250 goats) were collected under sterile conditions and examined using the Fülleborn’s flotation, Modified Benedek sedimentation, and Baermann–Wetzel techniques. Species, age, sex, and location data for each animal were recorded, and the results were evaluated statistically. Results: Overall endoparasite positivity was 38.8% in sheep and 62.40% in goats. Trichostrongylidae spp. infection was significantly higher in goats (50%) than in sheep (p<0.001). Eimeria spp. and Metastrongylidae spp. infections were also detected more frequently in goats (21.60%), and the differences between species were statistically significant (p<0.001). Trichuris spp. was identified only in sheep (2.00%), representing a significant interspecies difference (p<0.05). Age-based evaluation revealed that Trichostrongylidae spp. and Metastrongylidae spp. infections were more prevalent in animals aged ≥2 years (p<0.001). According to sex, both Trichostrongylidae spp. and Metastrongylidae spp. infections were significantly more common in females (p<0.05). Location-based analysis indicated significant variation in the distribution of Trichostrongylidae spp., Eimeria spp., and Metastrongylidae spp. (p<0.001). Additionally, the prevalence of mixed infections involving two or three parasite species varied significantly by species and location (p<0.01). Conclusion: Endoparasitic infections in small ruminants in Siirt province were found to be highly prevalent and exhibited significant variation according to species, age, sex, and location. These findings emphasize the need for targeted and sustainable parasite control strategies in the region. Furthermore, regulating antiparasitic drug use and supporting studies focused on monitoring therapeutic efficacy and resistance development are considered essential.