In the fertile plains of Punjab, a silent war is waging inside the digestive tracts of India's livestock, and the frontline defenders are failing.
A recent study in Punjab revealed a staggering 93.62% of goats are infected with gastrointestinal parasites, with widespread drug resistance against all major deworming medicines1 .
This isn't an isolated crisis. Across northern India, from the Himalayan foothills of Himachal Pradesh to the tribal areas of southern Rajasthan, similar battles are being lost inside the rumens of cattle, buffalo, goats, and sheep that form the backbone of the rural economy2 3 .
These parasites represent a massive economic burden through reduced milk yields, stunted growth, lower wool production, and increased susceptibility to other diseases2 . In a country where livestock supports the livelihoods of millions, this parasitism directly threatens food security and rural income.
Gastrointestinal parasites are a diverse group of organisms that live within the digestive systems of animals, often with devastating consequences.
These are the primary culprits. Long, thread-like worms that attach to the gut lining, causing internal bleeding, nutrient drain, and organ damage.
Single-celled organisms, like Eimeria, that can cause severe diarrheal diseases, especially in younger animals2 .
To truly understand the scale of the problem, let's examine a pivotal 2025 study conducted across 17 districts of Punjab1 . This research provides a sobering, data-rich snapshot of the current crisis.
| Predominant Nematode Genus | Percentage Composition |
|---|---|
| Haemonchus | 75.94% |
| Trichostrongylus | 16.44% |
| Oesophagostomum | 4.85% |
| Bunostomum | 1.65% |
| Ostertagia | 0.77% |
| Cooperia | 0.33% |
Farms with resistance to Fenbendazole
Farms with resistance to Levamisole
Farms with resistance to Ivermectin
To conduct such vital surveillance, researchers rely on a set of key tools and reagents.
The cornerstone tool for visually identifying parasite eggs, larvae, and adult worms based on size, shape, and structure2 .
A flotation fluid used to separate parasite eggs from faecal matter by causing them to float to the surface for easy collection2 .
A high-specific gravity sugar solution used in the modified Wisconsin sugar flotation method for counting eggs per gram (EPG)2 .
A stain used in direct wet smear preparations to highlight the internal structures of protozoan cysts3 .
Used in concentration techniques to sediment and concentrate parasite eggs and cysts3 .
Petridishes and incubators used to cultivate parasite eggs into larvae for genus-level identification1 .
The high prevalence and rapid development of drug resistance in northern India are not accidental. They are the result of a "perfect storm" of contributing factors:
The tropical and sub-tropical climate, characterized by high humidity and rainfall, offers perfect conditions for the survival and spread of parasite larvae in the environment2 . The highest parasite loads are consistently recorded during the rainy season3 .
Overcrowded animal sheds, soil-floor shelters, and uncontrolled grazing increase the risk of exposure and re-infection2 .
The study in Punjab suggests that the indiscriminate and frequent use of dewormers without proper diagnosis has created immense selective pressure, favoring the survival and reproduction of drug-resistant parasite strains1 .
The near-total anthelmintic resistance recorded in Punjab is a clear warning signal. It underscores that relying solely on chemical dewormers is a broken strategy1 .
The scientific community is now urging a shift toward Integrated Parasite Management (IPM):
Deworming only when necessary, based on faecal egg count tests, and rotating drugs from different classes.
Rotating grazing fields to break the parasite life cycle.
Moving from soil-based to concrete-floor sheds and ensuring proper sanitation.
Breeding animals that show natural resistance to parasites.
As one study concludes, the high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes "warrants exploration of non-chemical mitigation strategies for effective control"1 . The health of India's livestock, and the millions who depend on them, hinges on our ability to adopt these smarter, more sustainable solutions.