Epidemiology of enteric and blood protozoa of Pakistan

Livestock plays an important role in the economy of Pakistan. Livestock sector contributed approximately 51.8 percent of the agriculture value added and 11.3 percent to national GDP during 2008-09. Animal diseases continue to constrain livestock productivity, agricultural development, human well-being and poverty alleviation in many regions of the developing world. Veterinary parasitic diseases cause enormous annual economic losses to livestock industries worldwide. Among parasitic diseases, protozoan diseases are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality in domestic and companion animals. Protozoan infections are major constraints in the development and improvement of the livestock industry round the globe. Enteric protozoan diseases can also lead to high mortality rates and the reduction in the productivity. Eimeria infection, either clinical or sub-clinical, is one of the most important parasitic infections that prevail widely in different parts of the world and in different animal species. Epidemiological information are necessary for planning effective strategies for control of parasites.