Goats are livestock, which is very popular among the poor people of
developing countries who cannot afford to raise large ruminants. However, small
ruminant producers face significant economic threats due to parasitism. Both ecto- and
endo-parasites cause significant damage to the animals that either reduces the
performance or may cause death of animals. These parasites are either single-cell,
protozoa or multicellular, helminths and arthropods. They enter into the host by various
means, such as foods, water, penetration of the skin, from mother to foetus via placenta
and/or milk, etc. A number of parasites affect the goats, leading to different kinds of
diseases. Some are very serious in nature, while others cause mild to moderate kinds of
diseases. Furthermore, the severity of the disease depends upon different factors
associated with the animals, like age, sex, and breed, parasites like species/strain,
quantum of infection, virulence, and environment factors like temperature, humidity,
soil type, food, management, etc. Management of parasites is somewhat challenging in
the extensive system, while it can be well managed in the intensive system of animal
rearing by following the good practices of management.
Keywords: Arthropod, Goat, Helminth, Host, Parasite, Protozoa, Parasitism.
