Prevalence and Larval burden of Oestrus ovis (Linné, 1758) in Goats of Karachi, Pakistan

Investigation was carried out to find out the prevalence and larval burden of O. ovis in goats. Slaughtered goat heads were examined for O. ovis larvae infection from March 2018 to February 2019 at different slaughterhouse in multiple areas of Karachi. A total of 527 (285 male and 242 female) goat heads were examined for the presence of O. ovis larvae. Out of the examined, 191 were found infected, with 36.24% rate of infection. The infection rate in male goats was 39.64% that is higher as compared to female goats 32.23%. The highest prevalence was observed in the month of December. A total of 1434 larvae were collected from infected goat heads. The mean number of larvae in infected goats was 7.51±4.34. The density of larvae in infected goats ranged from 1 to 40. Among 1434 collected larvae, 818 (57.0 %) were 3rd instar larvae, 494 (34.4 %) were 2nd instar larvae and 122 (8.6 %) were found to be 1st instar larvae. It is concluded that the infection with O. ovis in goats represent a risk for the goat production in the studied areas, therefore, it is suggested to take possible measurements for protection and control of O. ovis larvae in goats.