author(s)
K Jayalakshmi and N Premalatha

abstract
The study was undertaken to investigate the etiology of anaemia in goats. A total of 124 goats were screened for the anaemia. Out of 124 faecal samples and blood smear examined 36 (29.03%) and 23(18.54%) goats showed positive for helminthic infections and haemoprotozoan diseases. Among helminthic infections, 25.80% were Trichostrongylid group followed by Strongyloides spp (1.61%) and Monezia sp (1.61%). Blood parasites, Anaplasma spp account for 15.32% and 3.22% had mixed infection of Theileria spp and Anaplasma spp. Around 8.0 % of the suspected population were positive for both helminthic and haemoprotozoan diseases. The prevalence of diseases was higher during the month of December followed by August after the onset of the northeast monsoon season. Blood picture showed a severe reduction of haemoglobin, packed cell volume and total erythrocyte count. Serum biochemistry revealed hypoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and mildly elevated level of a liver enzyme (Aspartate transaminase) in goats infected with Theileria spp. The infected goats were treated with anthelmintics and antibiotics along with supportive therapy. The present study confirmed that 40.32 % of anaemia in goats was caused by helminthic and haemoprotozoan diseases. Prophylactic deworming and tick control measures were recommended to prevent economic losses associated with these diseases.