Background Intestinal parasites have a significant impact on productivity of pigs. Additionally, presence of zoonotic parasites in pig faeces used as fertilizer and ingestion of raw or undercooked pork products originated from parasite‐infested pigs pose a risk to human health. Objectives The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and diversity of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in indigenous pigs (Sus domesticus) maintained under traditional rearing system in Nepal. Methods Fresh faecal samples (n = 100) were collected from the pigs of varying age and sex maintained in 18 small‐scale farms in south‐central Nepal. Samples were processed using various standard methods and examined for parasite eggs, cysts or oocysts. Results Prevalence of GI parasites in indigenous pigs was 91%, comprising of 14 different genera of protozoans and helminths. Male pigs generally had a higher (97.5%) prevalence of GI parasites than females (87%). While 90% of the suckling and weaner piglets were positive for the GI parasites, all growers and 85% the adult pigs were infected with the parasites. Entamoeba spp. were the primary protozoans in all age groups. Strongyloides sp. was more prevalent helminths in suckling and weaner piglets, whereas Ascarid spp. were higher in both growers and adults. Triplet infection was higher (33.3%) in suckling and weaner piglets, while quadruplet and pentuplet infections were higher (p < .05) among growers (46.7%) and adults (30%), respectively. Conclusions The indigenous pigs harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites. GI parasitism varies by sex and age of the pigs.

Background Intestinal infection, caused by various protozoans and helminths, represents one of the significant health concerns in pigeons around the world. Objectives The present study aimed to determine the diversity and prevalence of the intestinal parasites in pigeons found in Ratnanagar Municipality, Chitwan, in central Nepal. Methods The fresh faecal samples (n = 155) were non‐invasively collected from different households and temples pigeons The individual samples were immediately preserved in the 2.5% potassium dichromate solution and transported to the research laboratory. Following direct wet mount and concentration methods, the samples were observed under a compound microscope. Results The results showed 87.1% prevalence rate with 16 parasite species that included 8 protozoan and 8 helminth faunae. The faecal samples of temple pigeons contained a higher prevalence rate with higher parasitic richness (95.6%; 16 species) than household pigeons (75.4%; 12 species). Mixed infection up to four different species was recorded in both types of sampling populations. Conclusions Pigeons harbour a greater prevalence and wider diversity of intestinal parasites and the parasitism varies based on the habitats. Proper management and effective deworming practices are recommended to control intestinal parasitic infection in these avian hosts.

Introduction: Cats (Felis catus) are the only felines that live in close contact with humans. Since cats can act as vectors, carriers, reservoirs and definitive hosts of many gastrointestinal (GI) parasites, parasitic assessment could contribute to their survival and well-being. Aims:The current study aimed to assess the diversity and prevalence of GI parasites in domestic and feral cats from Ratnanagar in Chitwan in Central Nepal.Methods: A total of 107 fresh faecal samples of cats (90 household cats and 17 feral cats) of varied ages and sex were collected and transported to the laboratory. The copromicroscopic examination was carried out following direct wet mount, formalinethyl acetate sedimentation, saturated salt flotation, acid-fast staining and sporulation techniques. Furthermore, associated risk factors were evaluated to ascertain the predictor of risks for parasitic acquisition. Results:The current study revealed an overall 95.3% prevalence rate with a 100% rate in feral cats and 94.4% in household cats. Altogether, 18 (17 known and one unknown) different species of GI parasites were reported with the helminths (95.3%; 11 species) and the protozoa (55.1%; seven species). Besides age and sex, outdoor lifestyle, absence or unknown history of medication and hunting behaviour of the felines are the predictors of risk. Furthermore, mixed infection was comparatively higher than single infection in the faecal samples.Conclusions: Cats harbour a higher prevalence and greater diversity of GI parasites, and parasitism varies with age and sex. This finding can be essential for veterinarians and public health authorities for strategic treatment and for assessing the zoonotic transmission of the parasites from these felines. Importantly, an effective medication strategy for cats and owners is recommended.