Prevalence of gastrointestinal and liver parasites in yaks in the cold desert area of lower Mustang, Nepal

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of gastrointestinal and liver\udparasites in yak in the cold desert area of the Mustang District, Nepal.\udMethods: Fecal samples were collected over a period of three months from 96 yaks from\udthe high Himalayan District of Mustang, Nepal. The samples were tested for the presence of\udparasites by direct smear, sedimentation, and floatation techniques. Yak herders were surveyed\udwith pre-tested questionnaires by participatory appraisals to explore their knowledge and\udawareness of parasitic diseases and health management.\udResults: Examination of fecal samples revealed that 82 were positive for one or more parasites,\udgiving an overall prevalence of 85.42%, in which 6.25% had single and 79.17% had multiple\udparasitic infection. Animals with poor body condition scores and young age were more\udsusceptible than their counterparts. Inferior body condition scores were attributed to parasitic\udburden. No significant difference was noted between worm burden and either the sex of the\udanimal or the altitude.\udConclusions: A high proportion of yaks in the lower Mustang Region of Nepal suffered from\udthe mild to moderate parasitic infection, significant enough to contaminate the pasture and\udspread infection to healthy animals. Complementary studies are needed to establish the impact\udof parasitism on productive performance. Furthermore, nutrition and health management,\udincluding regular and strategic parasite monitoring programs are needed for better health and\udproductivity