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Abstract

This study investigated the prevalence of helminths parasites and the influence of associated factors including district, valley, species, gender, age, flock size, flock type, feeding system, and deworming among small ruminants in Chitral, Hindu Kush Mountains, Pakistan. Fecal samples from 401 goats and 410 sheep were analyzed. Chi-square tests were applied to determine the associated factors. The overall prevalence of helminths parasites was 59.4 %, with 58.9 % in goats and 60 % in sheep. The most prevalent coprologically detected parasite species was Toxocara spp. (27.1 %), followed by Moniezia spp. (17 %). In mixed infections, mostly Toxocara spp. with Moniezia spp. or Taenia spp were detected. Significant associated factors included gender (male 65.5 %, female 56.7 %; p = 0.017), age (adult 62.8 %, young 61.3 %, juvenile 36.5 %; p < 0.001), flock size (small 65.5 %, large 60.7 %, medium 49.6 %; p = 0.029), and feeding system (pasture 64.9 %, village grazing 59.9 %, stall feeding 47.3 %; p = 0.010). In contrast, species, flock type, deworming status, district, and valley showed no significant effect. In conclusion, helminths are highly prevalent in small ruminants of Chitral. Effective control measures should prioritize identified associated factors, particularly gender, age, flock size, and feeding practices, to reduce infection burden and improve animal health.

Article History

Received: Dec 20, 2025; Accepted: Apr 18, 2026; Published: June 30, 2026.

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