Abstract In Malaysia, particularly in Sabah, small ruminants rearing has grown in significance for a livestock production. However, small ruminants' production and health are seriously threatened by gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infections. Despite the growing significance of small ruminants in the region, there is a lack of data on the prevalence of GI parasites, hindering the development of effective, region-specific control strategies. This study aims to identify the GI parasite species affecting small ruminants in Sabah, as well as determine their prevalence and intensity. Fresh faecal samples were collected from ten goats and forty sheep randomly selected at the study site. The floatation, sedimentation, and McMaster methods will be used to detect and quantify GI parasites. This study identified the GI parasite species affecting small ruminants in Sabah, determining their prevalence (60% in goats, 70% in sheep) and intensity (all classified as light infections <500 EPG/OPG). This study has identified a range of GI parasites present at the farm, detailing their prevalence and intensity rates. Eimeria spp. was the most prevalent parasite (40% in goats, 37.5% in sheep), with 11 helminth species identified across three parasite categories: nematodes, cestodes, and trematodes. Co-infection analysis recorded 18 different parasite combinations. The results will help develop focused parasite control plans, which might enhance small ruminants' productivity, health, and the region's small ruminants farming industry's financial sustainability. Additionally, by promoting food security and rural livelihoods, this study supports Malaysia's efforts to attain Sustainable Development Goal 2: Zero Hunger and Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Goals which aims to strengthen the agricultural, industrial and tourism sectors.
Fauzi et al. (Fri,) studied this question.