Infections with gastrointestinal nematodes, Fasciola and Paramphistomum in cattle in Cambodia and their association with morbidity parameters

Abstract

Prevalence and seasonal variations of helminth infections and their association with morbidity parameters were studied in traditionally reared Cambodian cattle. Four villages in two provinces of West Cambodia were visited on monthly intervals over a period of 11 months, during which 2391 animals were faecal and blood sampled for parasitological and haematological examinations. The body condition score (BCS), faecal consistency (diarrhoea score, DS), colour of the ocular conjunctivae (FAMACHA©) and packed cell volume were determined for each individual animal. The overall proportion of samples that was positive for gastrointestinal nematodes was 52%, 44% and 37% in calves (from 1 to 6 months), young animals (6 to 24 months) and adults (over 24 months), respectively, while geometric mean faecal egg counts (FECs) for each of these age categories were 125, 66 and 15 eggs per gram, respectively. Six genera of strongyles were found in the faecal cultures, i.e. in descending order of occurrence, Cooperia, Oesophagostomum, Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Mecistocirrus and Bunostomum. The prevalences of Fasciola and Paramphistomum, estimated by coprological examination, varied between 5–20% and 45–95%, respectively. Logistic mixed models were used to investigate associations of morbidity markers with the presence of parasite infection. A low BCS was associated with gastrointestinal nematode and liver fluke infections, and soft faecal consistency with Paramphistomum infections. However, other factors such as nutritional deficiencies and intercurrent diseases are likely to enhance the effects of parasites and should therefore be considered when using these morbidity parameters as indicators of parasitism.