A Survey on Prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum in Calves in Siirt

Abstract

Toxocara genus has important risk for public health, and is a concern for both human and veterinary medicine. Toxocara vitulorum is the largest nematode for cattle and infests the small intestines of water buffalo, bison, and cattle living in tropical and subtropical regions with humid climates. The objective of the present study is to investigate the prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum in calves in Siirt province of Turkey. This study was carried out in the Siirt province, located in the Southeast Anatolian region. The animal material of the study consisted of a total of 100 calves of ages up to 6 months. Stool samples were collected directly from the rectum using disposable latex gloves, after which they were placed in individual stool containers. Samples brought to the laboratory were stored at +4 °C until analysis. Fülleborne's salty water flotation technique was applied to stool samples. The samples were then evaluated under a light microscope.As a result of the inspections, a positivity rate of 7% (7/100) was detected in the samples examined for Toxocara vitulorum by microscopic method. As a result of this study, the prevalence of the disease in Siirt province was revealed, and considering the losses caused by the infection, it was concluded that the disease should not be neglected. Farmers should be informed about the disease and appropriate treatment options for it.