| Rearing of goats is mainly done for obtaining meat. It plays an important role in providing animal protein for the diet. They also serve as an intermediate host for a number of parasites. Cestodes found in gut are acquired by eating contaminated food or water. The effect of these parasites is mainly dependent on the number of parasites and nutritional status of the animal they are infecting. Cestode Parasites are a major cause of health problems in goats. The pathogenic effects of these parasites may be sub-clinical or clinical. The clinical symptoms are weight loss, reduced food intake, diarrhea and reduced yield. Due to parasitism, the animals become susceptible to other health problems which can lead to death. They caused the increase of mortality rate and the decrease in livestock productions (Soulsby, 1982). Keeping in mind the economic importance and food value of the goats, the author has decided to carry out the work on biodiversity and prevalence of cestode parasites of Capra hircus. The scope of the experiments is to understand the core sources of infection, in order to eradicate, control and prevention of an existence cestodes, it is essential to know the identification of worms so as to reduce impact factor and degradation.
The present study deals with the diversity and prevalence of cestodes infection in Capra hircus during period of June 2013 to May 2014 in and around Dhule District (M.S.)
Out of 254 hosts intestine samples examined, 101 (39.76 %) found to be infected with the cestode parasites, total 829 cestode parasites were collected. Four genera i.e. Moniezia, Aliezia, Avitellina and Stilesiahave been reported. Stilesia show the highest incidence, intensity, density and index of infection followed by Aliezia, Moniezia, and Avitellina species respectively.
The incidence of infection was found more in winter followed by monsoon and summer season respectively because of favorable conditions for the development of larvae in the host and availability of intermediate host.
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