Prevalence and risk factors assessment of diseases in domestic livestock at the domestic wildlife interface of Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary (RWLS)

Bisma Absar; Kafil Hussain; Aditi Rana; Vinita Sharma; Shafiqur Rahman

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i10.180680

Authors

Bisma Absar Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu
Kafil Hussain Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu
Aditi Rana Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu
Vinita Sharma Central University of Jammu
Shafiqur Rahman Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu

DOI:

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

Keywords:

Wildlife-livestock interface, disease prevalence, Bakarwal pastoralists, risk factors

Abstract

This study was conducted between April 2024 and July 2025 to assess the prevalence and risk factors of disease transmission at the domestic-wildlife interface of Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary (RWLS), Jammu. The research focused on domestic livestock from fringe villages and migratory Bakarwal herds temporarily residing near RWLS. Data were collected through community surveys, veterinary interviews and laboratory diagnostics. High levels of interaction between domestic and wild animals were observed, especially near shared water sources and forest edges. Tick infestation, Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), reproductive disorders and diarrhoea were reported by villagers among livestock, whereas Bakarwal herds exhibited lesions like sore mouth, diarrhoea, and tick infestation. Laboratory surveillance revealed gastrointestinal parasitism in 42.5% of cattle, 46.67% of buffaloes, 18.52% of sheep and 14.81% of goats. Brucella seroprevalence was recorded at 18.18% in cattle and 10.34% in goats. LSDV was detected in 15.15% of cattle. Identified risk factors included irregular deworming and vaccination, shared grazing and water resources with wildlife, lack of mineral supplementation, limited veterinary access for pastoralists and seasonal overlap of wild and domestic animal movement. Although statistical analysis did not show a significant association between wildlife interaction and disease occurrence, ecological evidence suggested a potential for indirect transmission. The study highlights the need for integrated management strategies, improved veterinary outreach, community awareness, and coordinated disease surveillance at the domestic–wildlife interface.

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Author Biographies

Kafil Hussain, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu

Professor, Division of Veterinary Medicine
Vinita Sharma, Central University of Jammu

https://www.cujammu.ac.in/employee/viewEmployee/SLFS/ZOOL/24/ 0000-0001-5302-8857
Shafiqur Rahman, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Jammu

Associate Professor

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