Scientometric Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasites Prevalence in Sheep and Goats of India.

Purpose: In the present study, gastrointestinal parasites (GIP) prevalence in sheep and goats from India was estimated by scientometrics. Methods: The GIP prevalence studies (86) reported during 1998–2021 was obtained from online databases, and offline literatures, meta-analysis was undertaken by using "meta" package in R-Software. Results: The pooled GIP prevalence in India was 65% (95% level CI 56–74%, PI 12–96%) in sheep, 74% (95% level CI 66–80%, PI 14–98%) in goats and 68% (95% level CI 62–73%, PI 15–96%) in sheep and goats. Period-wise analysis revealed a higher GIP prevalence during 1998–2010 than the recent periods. Among the zones, GIP prevalence was higher in the Central zone (79%) in sheep, North zone (82%) in goats, and Central zone (78%) in sheep and goats. Based on the state-wise analysis, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in Haryana for sheep, Himachal Pradesh for goats, and Uttarakhand for sheep and goats. In India, a higher prevalence was reported by nematodes than other parasite classes. Based on climatic regions, a higher GIP prevalence was observed in semi-arid Steppe type region (84%). Conclusion: The high prevalence zones, states, species, sample types, parasite classes, parasite species and climate regions of GIP will be useful in decision-making and resource use efficiency by policymakers and stake holders. There is an urgent need to prevent the occurrence of GIP infections in sheep and goats by adopting scientific management practices, effective therapeutic measures, and hygienic practices on farms to augment the economic benefits to sheep and goat farmers in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]