# Climatic and Host-Related Drivers of Gastrointestinal Parasite Dynamics in Domestic Ruminants of North Bengal, India

## TL;DR

This study found that climate and host species significantly affect gastrointestinal parasite infections in livestock in North Bengal, India, with higher infection rates in cattle during monsoon and summer.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into host-specific and seasonal patterns of GI parasite dynamics in North Bengal using advanced statistical methods.

## Key findings

- Cattle had the highest GI parasite infection rate (71.62%) compared to sheep and goats.
- Infection rates were significantly higher during monsoon and summer seasons.
- Eimeria spp., Strongyloides spp., and Fasciola spp. were the most prevalent parasites identified.

## Abstract

This comprehensive study, conducted from November 2020 to December 2024, investigated the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in 1406 cattle, goats, and sheep across three districts of North Bengal, India. The overall infection rate was 69.4%, with cattle exhibiting the highest prevalence. Infections peaked during the monsoon and summer seasons, particularly in Cooch Behar district, reflecting strong climatic influence. The predominant parasites identified were Eimeria spp., Strongyloides spp., and Fasciola spp. Statistical analyses, including GLM, MCA and species-specific heatmap, revealed distinct host–parasite and seasonal clustering patterns. The findings underscore the significant impact of climatic and ecological factors on GI parasitism and emphasize the need for targeted, season-adapted parasite management strategies to protect livestock health and sustain agricultural productivity.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections pose a formidable global challenge to livestock production and continue to affect livestock health and productivity, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study investigated the prevalence, diversity, and epidemiological determinants of GI parasites in 1406 cattle, goats, and sheep from three districts of North Bengal, India (Cooch Behar, Alipurduar, and Jalpaiguri). Parasitological data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential methods. Overall prevalence was 69.4%, with cattle showing the highest infection rate (71.62%), followed by sheep (69.30%) and goats (67.19%). Spatial variation was evident among districts, with Cooch Behar recording the highest prevalence (71.20%). Seasonal effects were assessed using Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMs), which indicated significantly higher infection probabilities during the monsoon (75.70%) and summer (72.95%) compared with winter (57.78%). The predominant parasite genera identified were Eimeria spp., Strongyloides spp., and Fasciola spp. Host-parasite associations were further explored using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA), revealing distinct clustering patterns, with cattle associated mainly with Eimeria spp. and Strongyloides spp., goats with Trichuris spp. and Nematodirus spp., and sheep with Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp. A species-specific heatmap was used to visualize parasite distribution across host species and seasons, highlighting higher infection intensities during the summer and monsoon periods. Overall, the results demonstrate that GI parasitic infections in North Bengal are influenced by host species and seasonal climatic factors, supporting the implementation of targeted, species- and season-adapted parasite management strategies.