Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in a dairy farm in Santa Clara municipality, Cuba

Abstract

Cattle are natural hosts of a wide variety of gastrointestinal parasites that affect their health and welfare, causing diarrhea, loss of appetite, mild to severe anemia, as well as low productivity, resulting in great economic losses. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle of the "Niña Bonita" dairy farm in Santa Clara municipality, Villa Clara province, Cuba. Fecal samples were taken and coprological diagnostic techniques of sedimentation and flotation were applied for the identification of parasites. Two genera of nematodes (Strongyloides and Toxocara) and protozoa of the genus Eimeria were identified. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was high, as was the intensity of parasitic infection, which was dominated by moderate and mild infections. The risk of being severely and moderately infected was higher in Strongyloides parasitized animals. It is concluded that parasitic infections continue to be one of the main causes of disease and loss of productivity in livestock farms, so their control is absolutely necessary, where the knowledge of the prevalence of parasitosis, as well as the identification of these parasites, is vital for decision making and the establishment of much more rational and efficient programs.