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A survey was carried out to determine the prevalence and seasonal abundance of Haemonchus contortus in the semi arid zone of Uttar Pradesh, India between January 2010 to December 2013. Entire gastrointestinal tract from slaughtered goats were brought to the laboratory. Parasites were collected from the abomasum, counted and recorded on monthly basis. The collected data were analyzed on the basis of temperature, rainfall and humidity of the months/seasons. Out of total 635 goats, 383 (60%) were found to be infected with H. contortus. The mean intensity and abundance was found as 354 and 263 respectively. Marked variations in the prevalence, mean intensity and abundance were noticed during different month/season of the year. Highest values of these infection indices were found in the rainy season and lowest in summer. Although prevalence, intensity and abundance were positively correlated with temperature, rainfall and humidity but only the effect of rainfall was found to be statistically significant. The present study provides a consolidated account on the seasonal dynamics of H. contortus , which can be used for integrated control measures of this blood sucking parasite under local environment conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stray dogs are considered potential reservoirs for zoonotic diseases. Previous helminthic surveys in Iran, have accounted for mainly species of nematodes and cestodes, and rarely digeneans. Methods: We accessed 42 car-crashed stray dogs from the Farah Abad Region in the Mazandaran Province (North Iran) between Oct 2012 and Dec 2013, to be inspected for parasites. Helminths were collected from the intestine and they were morphologically studied. Results: We found five adult digeneans from the family Brachylaimidae, identified as Brachylaima sp. Worms were assigned to the genus based on the shape of the body, the position of genital pore, cirrus sac and testes, and the extension of the vitellarium. Absence of additional information on the developmental stages of the parasite precluded its specific identification. As the geographic distribution of species of Brachylaima is restricted to the Mediterranean region, we raise the hypothesis that dogs may become infected with parasites through the consumption of helicid snails when searching for food on the street. Conclusion: This is the second report of a species of Brachylaima in Iran and the third digenean species from stray dogs in the area. We want to raise the attention of researchers to helminthic surveys in potential zoonotic reservoirs like stray dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]