Abstract

Objectives: Trichostrongyliasis is a zoonotic parasitic nematode infecting sheep intestines, causing weight loss and digestive issues; this cross-sectional study was conducted from March to August 2024 at the Eid Livestock Market in the Company region of Kabul, Afghanistan, which aims to assess the proportion of sheep positive for morphologically compatible eggs in sheep and identify associated risk factors. Methods: A total of 160 sheep showing clinical signs suggestive of parasitic infection were sampled, and fecal samples were examined using the flotation technique. Descriptive statistics estimated animal prevalence and farmer awareness, while Chi-Square and Fisher's Exact tests assessed associations between sex, age, breed, and Trichostrongylus spp. infection. Results: The overall proportion was 6.3% (10/160), with no statistically significant association observed between infection and sex (p = 0.178) or breed (p = 0.335). However, a significant association was found with age (p < 0.001), as older sheep had a higher proportion. Farmer interviews revealed limited awareness of the impact of gastrointestinal parasites and seasonal deworming practices. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for targeted parasite control strategies, improved grazing management, and increased farmer education to reduce the burden of infection and improve livestock productivity in Afghanistan.