Prevalence of Ovine Oestrosis in Plain and Kandi Areas of Jammu, North India

Oestrus ovis is commonly known as sheep nasal bot fly, an obligate parasite which causes nasal-sinusal myiasis in small ruminants called as oestrosis. The parasite causes huge economic losses to the meat industry. The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of the parasite in sheep heads in so far less explored areas of Jammu region. The study found a high overall prevalence rate of 99.16% indicating the poor hygienic measures and unscientific rearing of animals. On analyzing the results, the prevalence of infestation of Oestrus ovis in sheep of plain and kandi areas was found to be 98.3% and 100% respectively. When the results were analysed sex-wise, it was found the prevalence was on higher side in males (100 percent) compared to female (98.2%) animals. Further, all age group animals were equally susceptible to infestations.