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Sci.Int.(Lahore),25(2),305-309,2013 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE
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PREVALENCE OF GIT HELMINTHS IN CATTLE AT THE
VICINITIES OF TEHSIL JATOI, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN
Muhammad Asif Raza*, Muhammad Mazhar Ayaz1, Saeed Murtaza1, Muhammad Saleem Akhtar1,
Muhammad Naeem2, Muhammad Ali1 and Hafiz Allah Bachaya3
*Animal Husbandry in Tropics and Subtropics, University of Kassel, Germany/
University of Agriculture, 38040, Faisalabad, Pakistan
1Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
2Institute of Pure and Applied Biology, Zoology Division, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
3Livestock & Dairy Development Department, Punjab, Pakistan
*Corresponding author: asifrazarana@yahoo.com, asif-raza@icdd.uni-kassel.de
ABSTRACT: Main purpose of this study was the investigation of helminth’s prevalence in cattle.
Therefore, 500 faecal samples of cattle, were examined by direct, indirect (sedimentation and floatation
techniques) and coproculture techniques.Species recorded were Fasciola hepatica, Fasciola
gigentica, Toxocara vitulorum, Paramphistomum cervi, Monezia expansa, Monezia bendeni,
Oesophagostomum radiatum, Haemonchus placei and Bunostomum phlebotomumn in cattle, an overall
prevalence of helminths was 51% (255/500). The highest prevalence (105/500; 21%) was recorded for
nematodes followed by trematodes (85/500; 17%), cestodes (10/500; 2%) and mixed helminth infections
(55/500; 11%). A total of nine species of helminths including four nematodes, i.e. Toxocara vitulorum,
Oesophagostomum radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Haemonchus placei; three trematodes, i.e.
Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi; and two cestodes, i.e. Moniezia expansa, M.
benedeni, were recorded. Toxocara vitulorum was the most prevalent species of helminth followed by
Fasciola hepatica, Paramphistomum cervi, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum,
Haemonchus placei, Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni and F. gigantica. The mixed helminth infection
(55/500; 11%) was often composed of 10 species including Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Toxocara
vitulorum, Moniezia expansa, Trichostrongylus spp., Paramphistomum cervi, Haemonchus placei,
Oesophagostomum radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum and Cooperia spp. To know the dependence of
helminth’s prevalence on sex and age of animal Chi-square statistical design was applied to data. All the
results were non significant due to some factors which directly affects the helminth’s prevalence.
Key words: Cattle, Helminthes, Prevalence, Jatoi, Pakistan
INTRODUCTION
The gastrointestinal tracts (GIT) of animals harbor a variety
helminthes, which causes clinical and sub clinical
parasitism. Helminthes adversely affect the health status of
animals which may be a cause of economic losses to the
livestock industry. Helminthes has been noted as major
constraint to ruminants’ productivity on a clinical and
subclinical level [1]. Helminthes are recognized as by for the
most significant part of diseases in livestock sector [2;3].
Milk production is considerably declined due to helminthes
infestation in cattle and buffalo [4]. The most important
predisposing factors of helminthes infection are grazing
habits, climates, nutritional deficiency, pasture management,
immunological status presence of intermediate host and
vector and the number of infective larvae and eggs in the
environment [5]. Due to infestation of helminthes fallowing
damages inflicted to the health and productivity includes
loss in body weight, poor reproductive performance,
digestive disturbance, and emaciation for longer period [5].
Toxins are produced by mature worms that destroy Red
Blood Cells, due to which unthrifty anemic conditions are
generated. While immature worms migrating through the
body tissues of animals open the way for bacteria and fungi
to enter, which cause serious diseases. Other economic
losses are involuntary culling, poor work performance,
treatment costs, lower milk production and mortality in
heavily parasitized animals [6]. So it is important to control
internal parasites especially helminthes with better
management as in developed countries, and knowledge on
prevalence of these parasites is mandatory. In Pakistan,
parasitism is one of the major menaces for livestock, causing
obstacles in the development of profitable livestock industry,
like in cattle and buffaloes [7]. Keeping in view these
considerations, this study was designed to investigate the
prevalence of helminthes in cattle of Tehsil Jatoi (District
Muzaffar Garh).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present study was conducted to determine the
prevalence of gastrointestinal helminthes, under field
conditions, in cattle at the localities of Tehsil Jatoi of District
Muzaffar Garh, Punjab, Pakistan.
Sample Collection
Five hundred faecal samples of cattle were randomly
collected in sterile polythene bags directly from rectum of
each animal. These faecal samples were brought to District
Diagnostic Lab. Muzaffar Garh for identification of
eggs/larvae of helminthes or the adult parasites.
Faecal Examination
Faecal samples taken from 500 cattle were examined for
helminthes eggs/larvae by using direct and indirect
techniques and for identification of certain nematodes,
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coproculture were performed to obtain larval stage. Both
eggs and larvae from coproculture were identified by using
standard techniques as described by MAFF [8] and Soulsby
[9]. Briefly, one gram of faecal sample was mixed well in a
drop of water and a relatively homogenous and transparent
preparation was obtained and examined under microscope
by placing a drop of suspension on slide with cover slip. At
least three direct smears were examined from each sample.
All the samples were also examined by concentration
techniques, i.e. floatation and sedimentation.
For floatation technique, five grams of faeces was mixed in
30-50 mL of water and strained through a sieve to remove
the course material. The mixture was allowed to sediment
for half an hour. The supernatant was poured off and
sediment was mixed in a saturated solution of common salt.
The suspension was centrifuged at 1000 rpm for two
minutes. The upper 0.1 mL of centrifuged suspension was
transferred to a glass slide and examined under microscope
at 10 X for the presence of helminthes eggs.
For sedimentation technique, five grams of faeces was
mixed in 30-50 mL of water and strained through a sieve to
remove the course material. The mixture was allowed to
sediment for half an hour. After centrifugation, the
supernatant was decanted and washing was continued until
supernatant became clear. A drop was taken from sediment
with Pasteur’s pipette on slide and was examined under
microscope at 10 X for the presence of helminthes eggs.
Copro-culture
Faecal cultures provide an environment suitable for hatching
of helminth eggs and for their development. Faeces found
positive for nematode eggs but confusing for exact
identification were broken up finely, using either a large
pestle and mortar or spatula and were placed in a glass jar or
petridishes which was closed and incubated at a temperature
of about 26 ˚C for 7 days. After incubation, samples were
examined for larvae. Larvae were identified with the help of
keys given by MAFF [8].
Statistical Analyses
Data on the prevalence of helminthiasis was analyzed using
Chi-square satatistical design on the basis of sex and age.
Graphical representation of data was also done.
RESULTS
The present study was undertaken from January to June
2009 to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal
helminths in cattle, in Tehsil Jatoi District Muzaffar Garh.
In cattle, an overall prevalence of helminths was 51%
(255/500). The highest prevalence (105/500; 21%) was
recorded for nematodes followed by trematodes (85/500;
17%), cestodes (10/500; 2%) and mixed helminth infections
(55/500; 11%). A total of nine species of helminths
including four nematodes, i.e. Toxocara vitulorum,
Oesophagostomum radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum,
Haemonchus placei; three trematodes, i.e. Fasciola
hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi; and two
cestodes, i.e. Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, were
recorded. The prevalence of different species of helminthes
is presented in Table I. Toxocara vitulorum was the most
prevalent species of helminth followed by Fasciola
hepatica, Paramphistomum cervi, Oesophagostomum
radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Haemonchus placei,
Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni and F. gigantica. The mixed
helminth infection (55/100; 11%) was often composed of 10
species including Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Toxocara
vitulorum, Moniezia expansa, Trichostrongylus spp.,
Paramphistomum cervi, Haemonchus placei,
Oesophagostomum radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum
and Cooperia spp.
The results of age-wise prevalence in cattle revealed 34%
adults (105/305) and 77% calves (150/195) having infection
with one or the other species of helminthes. The prevalence
of helminthes was higher in young animals as compared to
old cattle.
In cattle (Table VI), calves were found infected with seven
species of helminthes, i.e. Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola
hepatica, Paramphistomum cervi, Oesophagostomum
radiatum, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Haemonchus placei
and Moniezia expansa; whereas, from adults, six species of
helminthes were recorded, i.e. T. vitulorum, F. hepatica, P.
cervi, O. radiatum, B. phlebotomum and F. gigantica in the
order of deceasing prevalence. A total of 11% cattle
(55/500) had mixed infection comprising 18% (35/195) in
calves and 7% (20/305) in adults. The mixed infections were
either with two, three or four species of helminthes.
The results on sex-wise prevalence in cattle revealed 65%
males (100/155) and 45% females (155/345) having
infection with one or the other species of helminthes. In
buffaloes, 91% males (100/110) and 35% females (110/390)
were infected with the helminthes. As far as small ruminants
were concerned, in sheep, 77% male (150/195) and 52%
females (160/305); and in goats, 56% male (120/215) and
49% females (140/285) were found infected.
In cattle (Table X), five species of helminthes i.e. T.
vitulorum, F. hepatica, P. cervi, O. radiatum and M.
expansa were recorded from males and eight species i.e. T.
vitulorum, F. hepatica, P. cervi, O. radiatum, B.
phlebotomum, H. placei, M. benedeni and F. gigantica from
females were recorded in the order of decreasing prevalence.
Table X. Sex-wise prevalence of different species of
helminths in cattle in Tehsil Jatoi, District Muzaffar Garh.
DISCUSSION
Helminthiasis is one of the major problems which affect the
productivity of cattle. Losses caused by helminthes
invariably depend on the prevalence, nature and intensity of
infection and the management practices. In this
investigation, highest prevalence of helminthes was recorded
in cattle. The prevalence of helminthes was higher in young
animals compared with the older ones, and higher in males
compared with the females in the study. A total of nine
species of helminthes (four nematodes i.e. Toxocara
vitulorum, Oesophagostomum radiatum, Bunostomum
phlebotomum, Haemonchus placei; three trematodes i.e.
Sci.Int.(Lahore),25(2),305-309,2013 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE
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Table I. Prevalence of different species of helminths in cattle.
Species of helminth Number of Faceal Samples
Examined Number of Faecal Samples
Positive Per cent Infected
Toxocara vitulorum 500 75 15%
Fasciola hepatica 500 45 9%
Paramphistomum cervi 500 35 7%
Oesophagostomum radiatum 500 15 3%
Bunostomum phlebotomum 500 10 2%
Haemonchus placei 500 5 1%
Moniezia expansa 500 5 1%
M. benedeni 500 5 1%
F. gigantica 500 5 1%
Table II. Age-wise prevalence of different species of helminths in cattle in Tehsil Jatoi, District Muzaffar Garh
Species of helminth Calf Adult
Toxocara vitulorum 50/195; 25.64% 25/305; 8.19%
Fasciola hepatica 25/195; 12.82% 20/305; 6.55%
Paramphistomum cervi 20/195; 10.25% 15/305; 4.91%
Oesophagostomum radiatum 5/195; 2.56% 10/305; 3.27%
Bunostomum phlebotomum 5/195; 2.56% 5/305; 1.63%
Haemonchus placei 5/195; 2.56% 0/305; 0%
Moniezia expansa 5/195; 2.56% 0/305; 0%
M. benedeni 0/195; 0% 5/305; 1.63%
F. gigantica 0/195; 0% 5/305; 1.63%
Mixed infection 35/195; 18% 20/305; 7%
Overall prevalence 150/195; 77% 105/305; 34%
Table III. Sex-wise prevalence of different species of helminths in cattle in Tehsil Jatoi, District Muzaffar Garh
Species of helminth Male Female
Toxocara vitulorum 30/155; 19.35% 4/345; 13.04%
Fasciola hepatica 20/155; 12.90% 25/345; 7.24%
Paramphistomum cervi 15/155; 9.67% 20/345; 5.79%
Oesophagostomum radiatum 5/155; 3.22% 10/345; 2.89%
Bunostomum phlebotomum 0/155; 0% 10/345; 2.89%
Haemonchus placei 0/155; 0% 5/345; 1.44%
Moniezia expansa 5/155; 3.22% 0/345; 0%
M. benedeni 0/155; 0% 5/345; 1.44%
F. gigantica 0/155; 0% 5/345; 1.44%
Mixed infection 25/155; 16% 30/345; 9%
Overall prevalence 100/155; 65% 155/345; 45%
Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum cervi; and
two cestodes, i.e. Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni) were
recorded from cattle. The helminths recorded in the study
area have also been reported previously [10;11;12;13] from
different areas of Pakistan and different parts of the world
[14;15;16;17;18;19;20;21;22]. However, these workers have
also reported some other helminthes in addition to those
recorded in the current study. Such a regional variation in
the record of various species has been widely reported. This
variation may be attributed to different geographical
distribution, host factors and climatic conditions required for
the development of free-living stages of different nematodes.
A variety of factors like age, sex and breed of the host,
grazing habits, level of education and economic capacity of
the farmers, standard of management and anthelmintic used
[23;24;25;26;27;28;29]can influence the prevalence of
helminths. During this study, most of the farmers
complained of ineffectiveness of the anthelmintics, which
may be due to development of resistance against commonly
used chemicals or their quality.
The most prevalent nematode recovered in this study from
cattle was T. vitulorum, T. vitulorum was also reported to be
the most frequently occurring nematode in cattle
[30;31;32;33;34;35]. The higher prevalence could be due to
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the fact that this nematode has a relatively short generation
interval and ability to take the advantage of favorable
environmental conditions [36].
The climatic conditions of the study area vary from tropical
to sub-tropical, which are conducive for the development of
larval forms or intermediate hosts of helminthes. A warm
and moist summer is well suited to the development and
survival of the free-living stages of nematodes [36].
Moreover, the availability of green pastures in irrigated or
water logged area also help in perpetuation of the life cycles
of different species of helminthes. The pasture larval counts
and fecundity of different species of parasites of helminthes
also play a role in the epidemiology of helminthes.
The higher infection in young animals than that in older ones
may be attributed to lesser resistance because of lesser
exposure to different species of helminthes compared with
the older animals. It was, however, interesting to note that
prevalence was higher in males compared with females.
Normally, females are assumed to be more infected due to
stress of pregnancy and parturition. This may be due to the
practice of stall feeding females around pregnancy and thus
lesser exposure to pasture contamination. Most of the
researchers have observed higher rates of nematode
infection/worm burden in female hosts compared with the
males [23;24;37;26;28;29]. Higher prevalence of nematode
parasites in females compared with males may be because of
lowered resistance of female animals due to their
reproductive events and insufficient/unbalanced diet against
higher needs. In addition to this, host factors were
responsible for immunological impairment around
parturition and thus resulted in peri-parturient eggs rise [38].
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors are thankful to Dr. Rab Nawaz Kusar (DDLO),
Dr. Ihsan-ur-Rehman Akbar (ADIO), Dr. Hassan Farooq
Kazmi, Dr. Rana Sultan, Dr. Khalid Rasool, Dr. Nadeem
Sial and Dr. Abdul Samad Bhatti (Veterinary Officers) for
their technical support during research.
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