Calves gastrointestinal nematodes and Eimeria prevalence and associated risk factors in dairy farms, southern Ethiopia

A longitudinal study was conducted in low-input low-output farming systems to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in different age groups, sex and associated risk factors in goats. A total of 580 indigenous goats were randomly selected in areas representing the five agro-ecological regions of Zimbabwe in the dry and wet seasons. Blood and faecal samples were collected from each animal and egg/oocyst per gram of faeces (epg/opg), larval culture, and packed cell volumes (PCV) were determined. Factors affecting parasitic infections were evaluated. Highest prevalence was determined for Eimeria oocysts (43%), strongyles (31%) and lower levels in trematodes and cestodes. Parasites identified were Haemonchus, Strongyloides and Oesophagostomum. Area, season, sex and age significantly influenced patterns of gastrointestinal infections (P<0.05). Cannonical correlations indicated that parasite species composition varied by area and impacts of risk factors also differed. Risk of infection was very high for goats sampled in Natural regions (NR) I, II, III (OR=6.6–8.2; P<0.05) as compared to those in NR IV and V. Highest helminths and Eimeria infections were observed in the wet vs. dry season (P<0.05). Young animals were more susceptible to parasitic infections (P<0.05). Prevalence was higher in males than females, with odds of infection for males being almost three times to that for females (P<0.0001). Knowledge concerning gastrointestinal helminth biology and epidemiological infection patterns caused by these parasites is essential in the development of appropriate control strategies and this has a potential to reduce production losses.

IntroductionEimeria infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of Eimeria (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information in Ethiopia on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in and around Adama and Bishoftu towns with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria infection; identify circulating Eimeria oocysts, the intensity/burden of infection and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in cattle and sheep. A total of 384 randomly selected (265 cattle and 119 sheep) fecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined by flotation technique using sheather’s sugar solution to detect the oocysts of Eimeria. A 2.5% potassium dichromate solution was added to the positive fecal samples for sporulation of the oocysts.Results and discussionThe overall prevalence of 48.95% Eimeria infection was recorded during the study. 45.0% and 58% prevalence of the infection was registered in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in Eimeria infection between the study animal species, age of the animals, breed, farm hygiene and management system. However, there was no significant difference in Eimeria infection (P > 0.05) in sex, body condition of the animals and fecal consistency. The maximum oocysts per gram of feces was found to be 10,000. Eimeria infection is of great importance to livestock producers and requires serious control and prevention initiatives.

A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of poultry coccidial infection and to identify Eimeria species on local chicken in three selected districts of North Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia from October 2010 to March 2011. Two hundred sixty local chickens were purchased from three selected districts (Wogera, Dembya and Gondar town) which represent two agro-ecological zones. Identification of Eimeria species was based on the Oocyst morphology, predilection site, gross and histopathological changes in the intestine. The study indicated that 16.92% (44/260) of the chickens were infected with coccidia oocysts. Four Eimeria species were identified, namely, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria necatrix and Eimeria tenella with the prevalence estimate of 36.3%, 29.5%, 18.2%, and 15.9%, respectively. Age unlike sex was found to be significantly (P &lt; 0.05) associated with coccidial infection. This study showed that coccidial infection (16.92%) could be important in the backyard system which was supposed to be low.Keywords: Coccidial infection, Eimeria species, Ethiopia, Local chicken, Prevalence

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2021 to July 2022 with the objectives of estimating the prevalence of coccidiosis, identifying Eimeria species involved, and assessing the associated risk factors in randomly selected 9 kebeles of Sebeta town dairy farms. Three hundred five fecal samples were randomly collected from calves to examine for the presence of Oocyst of Eimeria by floatation technique using saturated salt solution. For positive samples, solution of 2.5% potassium dichromate was added to the feces containing the Ocysts for preservation and identification of the Eimeria species. The overall prevalence of coccidiosis at animal level and herd level was 57.5% (157/305) and 78.7% (48/61) respectively. The most dominant identified Eimeria species were E. zuernii, E. auburnensis and E. canadinensis with the prevalence of 45.22% (71/157), 17.83% (28/157) and 14.01(22/157) respectively. Under host related factor there was statistically significant difference (p&lt;0.05) of sex, breed and fecal consistence with infection of Eimeria species but age, body condition and herd size were not significantly associated (p&gt;0.05) with Eimeria infection. With regard to non-host related factor kebele, barn hygiene, management system, water and feed source was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) with Eimeria infection. However, house condition and pen type were not significantly associated (p&gt;0.05) with Eimeria infection. By using univariable logistic analysis the risk of getting coccidian infection was observed in kebele, sex, breed, barn hygiene, management, water and feed source, but the risk factors such as; age, body condition, fecal consistency, herd size, house condition and pen type were found to be statistically insignificant for Eimeria infection rate (p&gt;0.05). Indeed, the study revealed that calf coccidiosis is prevalent in dairy farms of Sebeta town. Hence, appropriate disease prevention and control program need to be undertaken to reduce its impact. More ever, we recommend to use PCR diagnostic technique which is more reliable, sensitive and less time-consuming for detection of Eimeria.

In Kenya, helminthosis and coccidiosis in cattle, is reported to be the second highest cause of death in zebu calves up to 12 months old, estimated at 12% mortality rate. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth and coccidia infections among zebu calves in Isiolo County in Kenya. A cross-sectional study was conducted in between November and December, 2020 in Isiolo North and South Constituencies. Garbatulla and Burat Wards in Isiolo North and Kinna Ward in Isiolo South were purposively selected due to high number of large cattle herds compared to other areas. A total of 411 calves from 34 cattle herds aged between 3 weeks and 12 months were randomly selected for the study. Faecal samples were obtained from the rectum or immediately after defaecation for laboratory analysis, in a veterinary laboratory located in Kinna Ward in Isiolo south Constituency that is virtually meant for research. Faecal egg counts and coccidian oocyst were identified and estimated using the McMaster faecal floatation technique. The prevalence was determined by dividing positive number by the total number tested and the converted to percentage form. The overall prevalence of helminth and coccidia infections was estimated at 66.9% (275/411). Concurrent helminth and coccidia prevalence were slightly low, estimated at 16.5% (68/411). Coccidia infection was the most prevalent type of infection estimated at 45.7% (188/411) while the prevalence of helminths was 38.4% (158/411). Strongyle infection was predominant among other helminths detected with a prevalence of 29.4% (121/411) followed by Strongyloides 6.5% (27/411), Monezia 2.7% (4/411), Toxocara 1% (4/411) and Trichuris 0.2% (1/411). The results of this study indicated that prevalence of helminth and coccidia infections in calves is high dominated by strongyles and coccidia.

A large-scale cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate prevalence, species diversity, and associated risk factors of Eimeria infections in 55 cattle farms across seven states of Colombia, including subtropical and tropical regions. In total, 1333 fecal samples from young animals (< 1 year of age) were examined at a single sampling date from August 2016 to December 2016. Flotation and McMaster techniques were conducted for parasitological investigation. Excreted Eimeria oocysts were allowed to sporulate in vitro and thereafter identified to species level based on morphological and morphometric characteristics. The overall Eimeria prevalence was 75.5% (1006/1333), with no difference observed between age categories. In total, 13 different Eimeria species were identified. The most prevalent species was E. bovis (33.5%), followed by E. auburnensis (12.5%) and E. zuernii (11.9%). Analysis of extrinsic associated risk factors revealed the floor type, feeding system, watering system, and herd size as significant (p < 0.05) risk factors for Eimeria spp. infections. Based on these data, it can be assumed that bovine coccidiosis infections occur ubiquitously in the country and might play an important role especially in its subclinical form by affecting production parameters in conventional cattle management systems.

Between January 1999 and December 2000 faecal samples from 16264 cattle at 12 dipping sites in the highveld and nine in the lowveld communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe were examined for gastrointestinal (GI) nematode and cestodes eggs, and coccidia oocysts. Strongyle larvae were identified following culture of pooled faecal samples collected at monthly intervals. The effects of region, age, sex and season on the prevalence of GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia were determined. Faecal egg and oocyst counts showed an overall prevalence of GI nematodes of 43%, coccidia 19.8% and cestodes 4.8%. A significantly higher prevalence of infection with GI nematodes, cestodes and coccidia was recorded in calves (P < 0.01) than in adults. Pregnant and lactating cows had significantly higher prevalences than bulls, oxen and non-lactating (dry cows) (P < 0.01). The general trend of eggs per gram (epg) of faeces and oocysts per gram (opg) of faeces was associated with the rainfall pattern in the two regions, with high epg and opg being recorded during the wet months. The most prevalent genera of GI nematodes were Cooperia, Haemonchus and Trichostrongylus in that order. Strongyloides papillosus was found exclusively in calves. Haemonchus was significantly more prevalent during the wet season than the dry season (P < 0.01). In contrast, Trichostrongylus was present in significantly (P < 0.01) higher numbers during the dry months than the wet months, while Cooperia and Oesophagostomum revealed no significant differences between the wet and dry season. These findings are discussed with reference to their relevance for strategic control of GI parasites in cattle in communal grazing areas of Zimbabwe.

Analysis of intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the dynamics of bovine Eimeria spp. from central–eastern Poland

Faecal samples were collected from a total of 11 calves on three dairy farms (four from two farms and three from one) where calves generally thrive well and no anti-coccidial treatment is habitually carried out. One of the farms keeps calves in groups on hay/straw bedding, one keeps calves in pairs on plastic slats and then in groups on concrete slats, and the third one keeps calves in groups on concrete slats. Faecal consistency and the total number of Eimeria spp. oocysts per gram faeces (OPG) were determined and species identification was carried out by morphology. Eimeria oocysts were detected in all calves at some point of the study period, and diarrhoea was seen in 55% of the calves. The highest peak in oocyst excretion was 69,300 OPG. The first peak in oocyst excretion was seen 2-3 weeks after calves had been moved to group pens, and a second peak was seen 2-3 weeks later. Nine Eimeria species were found, including E. bovis and E. zuernii. The results are in accordance with previous studies showing that one of the risk factors for Eimeria infection in calves is entering a group pen where older calves are already being kept.

Effect of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol supplementation on turkey performance and immune cell parameters in a coccidial infection model

Coccidial infections of goats in Selangor, peninsular Malaysia

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 in and around Bahir Dar town to determine the prevalence of Coccidia infection in calves and to identify associated risk factors. Fecal samples were collected from a total of 384 randomly selected calves with the age of under 2 years. Collected fecal samples were examined for the presence of Eimeria oocyst by flotation technique. Out of 384 calves, 73 (19.01%) were found to be positive for Eimeria oocyst. Analysis of potential risk factors has revealed that; there was statistically significant difference (P 0.05) between coccidia infection with sex and breed of calves. In conclusion, the present finding has demonstrated that calf coccidia are one of the most important pathogens in calves in the study area. Therefore, further epidemiological investigations are required to determine the Eimeria species composition and different agro ecological risk factor on the occurrence of the disease.

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of ovine Eimeria infection, assess the associated risk factors, and the intensity of infection. A cross-sectional study design was employed and the study was conducted from November 2017 to May 2018. A total of 422 sheep were selected by systematic random sampling technique, and from these animals, faecal samples were collected and examined for Eimeria oocysts. Of the selected and examined sheep 132 (31.3%, 95% CI=26.8-35.7) were found infected by Eimeria species. The prevalence of Eimeria infection was significant (P &lt;0.05) higher in lambs/young than the adult, in females than males, and in poor body condition than in medium body condition sheep. Moreover, the prevalence of Eimeria infection was significantly (P &lt;0.05) higher in sheep with soft faeces than in normal faeces sheep and semi-intensive than extensive sheep production. The intensity of Eimeria species infection was influenced by the age, sex, body condition, fecal consistency, and production system of sheep (P&lt; 0.05). The overall mean Oocysts per gram of faeces was 2390.6 (95% CI=2007.5-2773.8). The mean OPG was significantly higher in lambs, with poor body conditions and female sheep. In addition, it was higher in sheep with soft faeces and an extensive production system. In conclusion Eimeria species infection was an important problem of sheep production in the study area. Generally, this study's results provided useful information to design and implement appropriate control strategies. Finally, it is recommended that further study identify the species of Eimeria circulating in the areas.

The types of gastrointestinal parasites (Eimeria and helminths) encountered by 70 lambs and the seasonal pattern of both Eimeria and strongylate infections in these lambs in the derived Coastal Savanna were followed for three years. Eimeria oocysts and helminth eggs were detected in the faeces of lambs at the same time, indicating the concurrence of both Eimeria and helminth infections. Eimeria oocysts were first seen in the lambs 20 days after birth (DAB) and the level of oocyst output increased by the fourth week. Eimeria species identified in the lambs were E. parva, E. pallida, E. faurei, E. ahsata, E. bakuensis, E. intricata, E. granulosa, E. ovinoidalis and, occasionally, E. marsica, E. ovinoidalis, the most pathogenic species, dominated the oocyst output during the early part of the life of the lambs. Strongyloides papillosus eggs appeared at 46 DAB, preceding strongylate nematode eggs, which were seen at 57 DAB and those of Moniezia at 69 DAB. The pattern of Eimeria oocyst output paralleled that of the worm egg output, and high oocyst and strongylate worm egg counts corresponded with the period of high rainfall during the study period. Although oocyst and worm egg output fluctuated, high Eimeria oocyst counts were seen again in the lambs when they were 1 and 2 years old. Haemonchus species formed 71% of the infective larvae revealed by larval culture.

Prevalence of Eimeria species among sheep and goats in Suez Governorate, Egypt