Occurrence and risk factor assessment of infectious diseases in domestic livestock at the livestock–Wildlife Interface of Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary (RWLS)

B  ABSAR; K  HUSSAIN; A  RANA; V  SHARMA; S  RAHMAN

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i10.180680

Authors

B ABSAR Sher-e- and Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 181 102 India
K HUSSAIN Sher-e- and Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 181 102 India
A RANA Sher-e- and Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 181 102 India
V SHARMA Central University of Jammu Rahya Suchani (Bagla), Samba, Jammu and Kashmir-181 143, India
S RAHMAN Sher-e- and Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir 181 102 India

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i10.180680

Keywords:

Bakarwal pastoralists, Disease prevalence, Risk factors, Wildlife-livestock interface

Abstract

This study, conducted between April 2024 and July 2025, assessed the prevalence and risk factors of infectious diseases at the livestock–wildlife interface of Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary (RWLS), Jammu. Domestic livestock from fringe villages and migratory Bakarwal herds were surveyed using community interviews, local veterinarian interviews and laboratory diagnostics. High levels of overlap between domestic and wild animals were reported, particularly near shared water sources and forest edges. Villagers noted tick infestation, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), reproductive disorders, and diarrhoea, while Bakarwal herds exhibited sore mouth lesions, diarrhoea, and tick infestation. Laboratory surveillance revealed gastrointestinal parasitism in 42.5% of cattle, 46.67% of buffaloes, 39.58% of sheep, and 38.0% of goats. Brucella seroprevalence was 18.18% in cattle and 10.34% in goats, while LSDV was detected in 15.15% of cattle. Risk factors included irregular deworming and vaccination, lack of mineral supplementation, limited veterinary access for pastoralists, and shared grazing and water resources with wildlife. Seasonal overlap—defined as the convergence of migratory livestock herds with wildlife populations during grazing and water availability periods—was also identified as a potential driver of exposure. Although chisquare analysis (χ² = 0.2; p > 0.05) did not show a significant statistical association between wildlife interaction and disease occurrence, ecological evidence indicated that shared environments and overlapping seasonal movements created opportunities for indirect transmission. The identified factors were interpreted as potential ecological and management related exposure conditions rather than statistically confirmed predictors of disease transmission. The findings underscored the need for integrated management strategies, improved veterinary outreach, community awareness, and coordinated surveillance to mitigate disease risks at the livestock–wildlife interface.

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