Parasite Of Cattle Research Articles

Seroprevalence of Major Pasture-Borne Parasitoses (Gastrointestinal Nematodes, Liver Flukes and Lungworms) in German Dairy Cattle Herds, Association with Management Factors and Impact on Production Parameters.

Simple SummaryPasture-borne worm infections impact cattle health and productivity worldwide. The present study assessed exposure of dairy cattle herds to the three most important pastural parasites, i.e., gastrointestinal worms, liver flukes and lungworms, in three parts of Germany by measuring antibodies in bulk tank milk samples. The results show a high level of exposure to gastrointestinal worms, while antibodies against liver flukes were less frequently detected and lungworm-positive herds were rare. Regional and breed differences regarding parasite exposure were detected. In addition, the presence of antibodies was associated with access to fresh grass, access to hay, silage quality and deworming frequency. Furthermore, parasite exposure was significantly associated with a poor body condition across all regions. Parasite-exposed cows of high-performance breeds also produced on average less milk per year than dual-purpose breeds. Pasture-borne parasites adversely affect bovine health and productivity worldwide. In Europe, gastrointestinal nematodes, especially Ostertagia ostertagi, the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus represent the most important parasites of dairy cattle. The present study assessed exposure towards these parasites among 646 cattle herds in three parts of Germany during 2017–2019 via antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM). Overall, O. ostertagi levels indicative of production losses were detected in 41.2% (266/646; 95% confidence interval (CI): 37.4–45.1%) of BTM samples, while F. hepatica seroprevalence amounted to 14.9% (96/646; 95% CI: 12.2–17.9%). Only 2.3% (15/646; 95% CI: 1.4–3.9%) of samples were D. viviparus antibody-positive. Significantly lower O. ostertagi as well as F. hepatica seroprevalence was detected in dual-purpose breeds compared to high-performance breeds from the same region. Management factors related to parasite exposure included access to fresh grass and hay, silage quality and anthelmintic treatment. Furthermore, F. hepatica and O. ostertagi seropositivity was significantly associated with suboptimal herd-level body condition. Interestingly, the relationship between seropositivity and productivity differed between breed types. Negative impacts on milk yield were detected only in high-performance breeds, while O. ostertagi seropositivity was associated with a lower milk fat content in dual-purpose herds.

A Comparative Study of Cattle and Sheep Amoebiasis in Selected Regions of Baghdad City

This study was performed to microscopically detect the prevalence of amoebiasis in cattle and sheep fecal samples. One hundred fecal samples were collected from cattle and sheep from 3 completely different area in Baghdad city (Al-Tarmiyah, Al-Fudhaliyah, AbuGhraib). Our data recorded a total amoebiasis infection rate of 54% in cattle and 50% in sheep, without any significant differences between them. Males showed higher infection rates than females in cattle and sheep (62.5%) and (57.14) respectively. The difference between age groups with significant difference (P<0.01) were obtained in ages <1 year (72.7%) and (68.75%) in cattle and sheep respectively. This study has demonstrated the widespread of Entamoeba parasite in cattle and sheep in Baghdad city.

Livestock trypanosomiasis, owners’ perception and search for human gambiense parasite in cattle and sheep in remote communities of Iseyin, Nigeria

The study assessed livestock for human and animal infective trypanosomes in seven remote communities of Iseyin, Oyo State, Nigeria. Blood samples collected at random from 330 cattle and 20 sheep were examined using the buffy coat technique and Leishman stained thin film. Packed cell volume and differential leukocyte counts were determined and interviews conducted. Animals examined showed clinical symptoms; emaciation (2%), rough hair coat (0.57%), body weakness (3.14%), ocular discharge (1.43%), dermatophylosis (0.57%) and ticks (0.57%). Leishman stained thin blood films indicated 34 cattle (9.71%) infected with Trypanosoma congolense, 0% infection in sheep and 100% slides positive for Anaplasma and Babesia parasites with no Trypanosoma brucei species. Anaemia was recorded in male cattle between 1year and 10 years old and was statistically significant (p<0.05). Acute inflammatory responses revealed by neutrophilia, lymphocytopaenia and lymphocytosis; 21.81%, 1.51% and 10% respectively in cattle suggested underlying bacterial orparasitic infections. All (100%) herdsmen confirmed presence of tsetse and other biting flies in bush and canopies around water bodies and stated observable signs and symptoms of trypanosomiasis (samore) which could wipe off the whole herd if untreated. Risk of trypanosome infection remained high as long as the old systems of cattle rearing exist; and urinary schistosomiasis and intestinal ailments due to lack of access to clean and portable water.
 Keywords: Livestock;Trypanosoma congolense; Trypanosoma brucei species;Iseyin; Nigeria

Co-infection of Fasciola and Dicrocoelium in gall-bladder of cows butchered in Ibadan abattoir, Oyo State, Nigeria

Fascioliasis and Dicrocoeliasis are significant helminthic diseases of ruminants, especially livestock. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, intensity and co-infection rate of Fasciola and Dicrocoelium species inside livestock butchered in Ibadan abattoir, Oyo State, Nigeria. 2100 gall-bladders were collected from the and inward substances macroscopically examined for adults and egg parasite prevalence. Adult parasites examined macroscopically while the bile sedimentation technique was used in determining the presence of parasite ova and the eggs were examined under the microscope. Data were analysed using statistical tools and the association between variables were done using t-test, and oneway Anova was used to compare the means of variables. Both adults and eggs of F. gigantica and D. hospes were recovered from the samples with the overall prevalence being 76.0%. Only 25 (25.0%) samples had a single infection of F. gigantica and 20 (20.0%) had D. hospes. Mixed infection was observed in 31.1% of the examined samples. The overall prevalence of each parasite revealed 56.0% and 50.0% for F. gigantica and D. hospes, respectively. The overall intensity (mean) of eggs was 1126 (11.26±20.08) eggs per 2ml of bile. The intensity of F. gigantica recorded 1010 (10.09±17.50) and D. hospes recorded 116 (1.22±2.46) eggs per 2ml of bile. This study gives the current state of rearing animals amid existing government efforts to improve animal productivity and reduction in economic loss. Cattle deworming should be practised regularly. Furthermore, the improved method should be employed for the determination of the current status of Fasciola in co-infection withDicrocoelium and other helminth parasites of cattle in Oyo State.
 Keywords: Co-infection; Amosun abattoir; Gall-bladder; Cattle slaughtered; D. hospes

Retrospective pathological studies on gastrointestinal tract parasitic diseases in cattle and buffaloes at EL-Dakahlyia province

Background and objective: The present study was carried out to study gross pathology, histopathological examination of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals affected with helminthes and protozoan parasites in cattle and buffaloes slaughtered in Mansoura governmental abattoir and necropsied in local dairy farms at EL-Dakahlyia Province. Materials and methods: Different kinds of trematodes, cestodes and nematodes were generally screened during the period 2017-2020 by post-mortem examination of 12,250 slaughtered bovine carcasses. Results: Out of 12,250 slaughtered bovine carcasses, 3604 cases (29%) were affected with gastrointestinal parasites. Helminthes and protozoan parasites were encountered in 3209 (89%) and 395 (10.9%) cases, respectively. The observed helminthes were nematodes (Gongylonema pulchrum, toxocara vitillorum), trematodes (Fasciola; F. gigantica) and cestodes (Moniezia, hydatid cyst), while sarcosporidia, eimeria and cryptosporidia were the encountered protozoa. Grossly, fasciola and hydatid cysts were detected in liver, gongelonema pulchrum, major sarcocysts were detected in esophagus, toxocara vitillorum were detected in small intestine. Minor sarcocysts, intestinal cryptosporidiosis and coccidiosis were discovered microscopically. The histopathological lesions were graded from 0 (no lesion), I (mild), II (moderate) to III (severe). Conclusion: No or minimal lesions as observed with living gongelonema, major and minor sarcocysts to severe caseation, calcification and granuloma formation as demonstrated with hydatid cysts and fasciola.

Sequence phylogenetic analysis and associative genetic diversity of Sarcocystis hirsuta based on 18S rRNA gene

BackgroundSarcocystis hirsuta, a tissue cyst-forming coccidian parasite of cattle, is worldwide in distribution. In spite of its global presence, limited literature is available on its characterization studies. No literature is available from India on molecular aspects of S. hirsuta. The present study was designed to characterize the isolates of S. hirsuta on the 18S gene locus. A total of five isolates of S. hirsuta were characterized. PCR products were cloned, sequenced, and compared with other sequences across the world. A phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the maximum parsimony (MP) method with the tree–bisection–regrafting (TBR) algorithm.ResultsAn appreciable genetic variability was noticed between various S. hirsuta isolates at the 18S gene locus. Sequences generated from the present study (MN121567–MN121571) represented two haplotypes with 99.74–100.00% nucleotide homology within themselves. Alongside, a nucleotide homology of 97.82–99.92% was observed between Indian isolates and isolates across the globe. The two haplotypes were markedly distinct from each other with 3 nucleotide substitutions within themselves. Overall, Indian isolates of S. hirsuta were close to those from China and Vietnam than to those from New Zealand, Brazil, and Germany.ConclusionThe present communication describes the first report of phylogenetic characterization of S. hirsuta from India. The findings are very much important in delineating the evolutionary phylogenetics of S. hirsuta.

Monepantel pharmaco-therapeutic evaluation in cattle: Pattern of efficacy against multidrug resistant nematodes

The goal of the current work was to perform an integrated evaluation of monepantel (MNP) pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics, measured as anthelmintic efficacy, after its oral administration to calves naturally infected with GI nematodes resistant to ivermectin (IVM) and ricobendazole (RBZ) on three commercial farms. On each farm, forty-five calves were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 15): MNP oral administration (2.5 mg/kg); IVM subcutaneous (SC) administration (0.2 mg/kg); and RBZ SC administration (3.75 mg/kg). Eight animals from the MNP treated group (Farm 1) were selected to perform the PK study. Drug concentrations were measured by HPLC. The efficacy was determined by the faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT). MNP and MNP-sulphone (MNPSO2) were the main analytes recovered in plasma. MNPSO2 systemic exposure was markedly higher compared to that obtained for MNP. Higher Cmax and AUC values were obtained for the active MNPSO2 metabolite (96.8 ± 29.7 ng/mL and 9220 ± 1720 ng h/mL) compared to MNP (21.5 ± 4.62 ng/mL and 1709 ± 651 ng h/mL). The MNPSO2 AUC value was 6-fold higher compared to the parent drug. Efficacies of 99% (Farm 1), 96% (Farm 2) and 98% (Farm 3) demonstrated the high activity of MNP (P < 0.05) against GI nematodes resistant to IVM (reductions between 27 and 68%) and RBZ (overall efficacy of 75% on Farm 3). While IVM failed to control Haemonchus spp. and Cooperia spp., and RBZ failed to control Coooperia spp. and Ostertagia spp., MNP achieved 100% efficacy against Haemonchus spp., Cooperia spp. and Ostertagia spp. However, a low efficacy of MNP against Oesophagostomum spp. (efficacies ranging from 22 to 74%) was observed. In conclusion, oral treatment with MNP should be considered for dealing with IVM and benzimidazole resistant nematode parasites in cattle. The work described here reports for the first time an integrated assessment of MNP pharmaco-therapeutic features and highlights the need to be considered as a highly valuable tool to manage nematode resistant to other chemical families.

Gastro-intestinal parasitism and control practices in dairy cattle in North-west Cameroon (Central Africa).

The main objective of this study was to assess the gastrointestinal parasitism in relation with the worm control practices (WCP) in dairy cattle in areas of major importance for dairy/milk production of Cameroon. Fresh fecal samples were randomly collected from 402 cattle from August to October 2016 in North West Cameroon, and analyze using the McMaster technique. Data on WCP were collected using a questionnaire. A total of 11 parasites species were identified: Trichostrongylus sp. (5.97%); Oesophagostomum sp. (5.47%); Haemonchus sp. (2.48%); Bonostomum sp. (1.74); Cooperia sp. (1.49%). Toxocara sp (0.24%); Ostertagia sp. (0.50%); Nematodirus sp. (0.74%); Trichuris sp. (0.50%); Moniezia sp. (0.50%); Eimeria sp. (0.50%). The mean individual parasite load for helminthes and protozoa ranged from 100 to 400 eggs per gram of feces (epg) and 333-400 oocysts per gram of feces (opg), respectively. Most farmers (95.12%) used conventional drugs (Albendazole, Doramectin, Fenbendazole, Ivermectin.) to deworm animals as compared with traditional phytotherapy (e.g., Carica papaya leaves) (4.88%). The mean epg/opg in animals treated with conventional drugs was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in those receiving traditional treatment. Animals treated less than four times a year with conventional drugs had the highest (p < 0.05) mean epg/opg compared with animals treated four to six times a year. This study suggests that treating at least four times a year with conventional drugs, and at least two times a year with traditional approaches could help reducing GIP burden in dairy cattle in North West Cameroon. Since the majority of farmers use conventional drugs, it is imperative for them to appropriately use these conventional drugs for a better control of GIP on their farms.

Risk factors for lungworm-associated milk yield losses in grazing dairy cattle

Dictyocaulus viviparus, the causative agent of bovine parasitic bronchitis, is an important parasite of dairy cattle. Infections can lead to substantial economic losses, due to mortality, reduced weight gain and milk production and treatment costs. There have been relatively few studies investigating herd management risk factors for infections with D. viviparus and lungworm-associated production losses. The aims of this study were (1) to assess the impact of (sub)clinical lungworm infections on productivity in dairy cows and, (2) to identify or confirm risk factors, related to herd management, for infections in grazing dairy cattle. Using a recombinant Major Sperm Protein (MSP)-based ELISA, the presence of D. viviparus antibodies in bulk tank milk (BTM) samples was evaluated on 717 and 634 farms at two-week intervals during two grazing seasons (2018 and 2019). Associations between milk antibody levels and production data (mean milk yield in kg/cow/day, percentage of fat and protein) were assessed, as well as associations with putative risk factors in the herd management, gathered through a questionnaire survey.In both years, there was a substantial, but non-significant, difference in the annual mean milk yield on farms with at least one BTM sample above the cut-off of 0.41 ODR, compared with the mean milk yield on farms that stayed under this threshold on each sampling day (-0.17 and -0.70 kg milk/cow/day in 2018 and 2019, respectively). In 2019, this association was stronger, and significant, when the cut-off was exceeded in at least two consecutive BTM samples (-1.74 kg milk/cow/day). BTM results were also significantly negatively associated with the closest milk production data during the two-weekly BTM sampling intervals in 2019.A single or two consecutive positive tests were used in the risk factor analysis as a proxy for lungworm-associated milk yield losses. Purchase of new animals (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.68) and the proportion of the first grazing season covered by preventive anthelmintic treatment (OR up to 3.88, depending on proportion) were positively associated with lungworm-associated milk yield losses, while mowing at least 50 % of the pastures (OR = 0.57) was negatively associated with lungworm-associated milk yield losses.Our results suggest that the ELISA holds promise to identify herds with significant production losses due to lungworm infections, under the condition that BTM sampling is done repeatedly during the grazing season. Based on the confirmed risk factors, adjustments of the farm management could perhaps mitigate these losses.

Occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Indonesia

Gastrointestinal nematode parasites play an important role in cattle farming in Indonesia. The majority of parasite infection cases cause weight loss and decreases in appetite, productivity, milk production and farmers’ economic income. This study aimed at finding out the incidence of gastrointestinal nematode parasite disease in cattle at several regions in Indonesia. It was conducted in the period of March 6th to October 2020. There were totally 335 samples randomly drawn from various regions in 15 provinces of 34 provinces in Indonesia. Stool was examined using Whitlock and flotation methods. The results showed that the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes Strongyle, Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp., and Ascaris sp. amounted to 24.2%. The highest prevalence of the Strongyle nematodes was found in West Nusa Tenggara (52%), Central Kalimantan (50.8%) and Southeast Sulawesi (40%). The prevalence of the Trichuris sp. in East Java was 15%, while it was 10% in Central Kalimantan. The prevalence of the Capillaria sp. in North Kalimantan was 21.1%, in West Sumatra 18.8% and in East Java 6.7%. The prevalence of the Ascaris sp. worms in East Java was 16.7%. The results of the characterization based on age, sex and cattle management showed that 4.6% of the Strongyle worms were found in bulls, 2.74% in females, 4.38% in intensive maintenance and 2.47% in semi-intensive maintenance, while 5.48% of the worms were found in adult cattle and 1.37% in young cattle. The same pattern was observed in Trichuris sp., Capillaria sp. and Ascarids sp. infections. The results indicated the need for the eradication of the gastrointestinal nematodes through deworming and good management system.

Infection of gastrointestinal parasites among slaughtered cattle (Bos taurus) in Modern Abattoir, Minna, Niger State

Livestock and their products are the major source of animal protein. They also play a crucial role in the economy of most nations including Nigeria. In Nigeria, animals are mostly managed by extensive system and this predisposes them to gastrointestinal parasites. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle slaughtered in Minna Abattoir. A total of two hundred and seventeen (217) faecal samples were collected and analyzed for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites using saturated sodium chloride flotation and sedimentation techniques. An overall prevalence rate of 169 (77.88%) of gastrointestinal parasites were recorded. Among the selected cattle breeds sampled, a prevalence rate of 114 (67.45%) for white Fulani, 30 (17.75%) for Sokoto Gudali and 25 (14.79%) for red Bororo were obtained. Seven (7) gastrointestinal parasites detected were Strongyloides spp, Trichuris spp, Haemonchus spp, Eimeria spp, Taenia spp, Moniezia spp and Fasciola spp. Haemonchus spp had the highest rate of infection 69 (40.82%) followed by Strongyloides spp 22 (13.04%) while the one with the least prevalence was Eimeria spp 12 (7.10%). It was observed that female ruminants were more infected (53.84%) than their male counterpart (46.15%). The older also had higher infection rate (50.29%) than the younger ones (49.72%). There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) on the infection rate in relation to gender and age. It is paramount to use appropriate management systems and rational use of drugs to solve this health problem

Prevalence and Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Cattle in Different Zones of Tehsil Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

The study was conducted from March 2015 to February 2016 in different zones of Tehsil Chakwal in different breeds of cattle to detect the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. A total of the 1039 faecal samples were randomly collected from cattle in the study area and standard laboratory procedures were followed to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites. The study revealed that the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of cattle was 58.13% with maximum prevalence for trematodes (21.56%) following 18.48% for nematodes and 18.09% for cestodes. Highest prevalence was observed during the months of July and August. Exotic breeds were affected more than local breeds by the helminthes. Prevalence was higher in case of young and male animals as compared to adult and female animals respectively. Higher prevalence rates in the study showed the neglect of better management practices targeted at control of gastrointestinal parasites. It was concluded that age, gender, breed and season are the important factors which influence the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites.

Apparent prevalence of Mycoplasma wenyonii, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, and bovine leukemia virus in Wisconsin and Michigan dairy cattle herds

Mycoplasma wenyonii (formerly Eperythrozoon wenyonii) is a hemotrophic, epicellular bacterial parasite of cattle that has been associated with clinical disorders, including hemolytic anemia, decreased milk yield, and peripheral edema. Mycoplasma wenyonii and a related organism, Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos, have been detected in both ill and apparently healthy cattle, but little is known about their prevalence in US dairy cattle. The objective of this prospective, cross-sectional study was to determine herd-level apparent prevalence of M. wenyonii and C. M. haemobos in dairy cattle located in Wisconsin and Michigan compared with seroprevalence of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) in the same herds. In summer 2018, researchers collected blood samples from 30 lactating cows per herd from randomly recruited farms in selected dairy-intensive counties in each state. During the farm visit, a brief survey was used to collect herd management information. Detection of M. wenyonii and C. M. haemobos were based on PCR testing, and ELISA was used to test for antibodies to BLV. Blood samples were collected from lactating cows located in 64 Wisconsin herds (n = 1,930 samples) and 18 Michigan herds (n = 591 samples). Herd-level apparent prevalence was 100% for both M. wenyonii and C. M. haemobos. Herd-level seroprevalence for BLV was 83 and 100% for Wisconsin and Michigan herds, respectively. Estimated within-herd apparent prevalence of M. wenyonii was 71.7% ± 1.0% (ranging from 23.3 to 93.5%) and for C. M. haemobos was 77.3% ± 1.0% (ranging from 16.7 to 100%). Within-herd prevalence of BLV positive samples was 39.8% ± 1.0% and ranged from 0 to 86.7%. About 22% of cows were concurrently positive for all 3 organisms. Parity and stage of lactation were recorded for 2,317 cows. Prevalence of positive cows for parity groups 1, 2, and ≥3 were 72.0, 73.8, and 67.7% for M. wenyonii; 80.9, 76.8, and 74.9% for C. M. haemobos; and 25.3, 39.7, and 55.5% for BLV, respectively. None or only minor differences in apparent prevalence were observed based on stage of lactation. This is the first report of the prevalence of hemotrophic mycoplasmas in Wisconsin and Michigan dairy herds and indicates that infection with these organisms is endemic. The impact of infection on cattle health and productivity remains unknown, and risk factors associated with infection warrant further study.

Molecular characterization of ticks and tick-borne piroplasms from cattle and camel in Hofuf, eastern Saudi Arabia.

The aims of the present study were to characterize ticks infesting the dromedary camel and cattle in Hofuf, Eastern Saudi Arabia and to determine the piroplasms that they may harbor. DNA was extracted from ticks, collected from camels and cattle, using commercial kits and subjected to polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for the amplification of ticks and piroplasms DNA. The cytochrome oxidase subunit I mitochondrial gene (COI) was used for characterization of ticks whereas partial 18S rRNA gene (18S rRNA) was used for piroplasms characterization. Ticks were genetically identified as Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma anatolicum. Both cattle and camel in Hofuf, were found to be infested with both species. Both ticks identified as H. dromedarii and H. anatolicum from camels and cows showed 100% identity to COI sequences from the same species available in GenBank. Only Theileria annulata DNA was amplified from both H. anatolicum and H. dromedarii infesting cattle. None of the ticks collected from camels revealed DNA of piroplasms. T. annulata DNA was reported for the first time from Hofuf and the role of both H. anatolicum and H. dromedarii as potential vectors for this parasite in cattle in Saudi Arabia has been documented for the first time.

Tick saliva-induced programmed death-1 and PD-ligand 1 and its related host immunosuppression

The tick Rhipicephalus microplus is a harmful parasite of cattle that causes considerable economic losses to the cattle breeding industry. Although R. microplus saliva (Rm-saliva) contains several immunosuppressants, any association between Rm-saliva and the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules, such as programmed death (PD)-1 and PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), has not been described. In this study, flow cytometric analyses revealed that Rm-saliva upregulated PD-1 expression in T cells and PD-L1 expression in CD14+ and CD11c+ cells in cattle. Additionally, Rm-saliva decreased CD69 expression in T cells and Th1 cytokine production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Furthermore, PD-L1 blockade increased IFN-γ production in the presence of Rm-saliva, suggesting that Rm-saliva suppresses Th1 responses via the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. To reveal the upregulation mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 by Rm-saliva, we analyzed the function of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), which is known as an inducer of PD-L1 expression, in Rm-saliva. We found that Rm-saliva contained a high concentration of PGE2, and PGE2 treatment induced PD-L1 expression in CD14+ cells in vitro. Immunohistochemical analyses revealed that PGE2 and PD-L1 expression was upregulated in tick-attached skin in cattle. These data suggest that PGE2 in Rm-saliva has the potential to induce the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules in host immune cells.

Investigation of flukes (Fasciola hepatica and Paramphistomum sp.) parasites of cattle in north-eastern Algeria.

Fasciolosis due to Fasciola hepatica is one of the dominant pathologies in Algeria. On the other hand, gastroduodenal paramphistomosis are little studied and little known. Our work consisted of an epidemiological survey in the Souk-Ahras region to investigate these two parasites in cattle. Regarding the epidemiological investigation, it took place in the Souk-Ahras abattoirs, where 530 cattle were inspected for the presence of both parasites. The prevalence of fasciolosis was 12.3%, while the prevalence of paramphistomosis was 7.9% in cattle. Elderly animals were more infected than those under two years of age and females were more infected than males and for both parasites. Therefore, it is important to take into consideration both parasitic diseases and appropriate control measures are strongly recommended to improve cattle productivity.

Prevalence and seasonal variation of Fasciola hepatica in slaughtered cattle: the role of climate and environmental factors in Mexico.

The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica infection in cattle slaughterhouses, as well as its association with climatic/environmental factors (derived from satellite data), seasonality and climate regions in two states in Mexico. Condemned livers from slaughtered animals were obtained from three abattoirs in the states of Puebla and Veracruz. The overall prevalence of the parasite in cattle between January and December of 2017 was 20.6% (1407 out of 6834); the highest rate of condemnation was observed in Veracruz (26.3%; tropical climate), and the lowest rate was found in Puebla (15.5%; temperate climate). The seasonal prevalence of fluke infection was 18.6%, 14.8% and 28.4% during the wet season, and 17.1%, 12.4% and 22.8% during the dry season in the three abattoir sites, located in the districts of Zacatlán, Teziutlán and Ciudad Alemán, respectively. Liver condemnations due to bovine fasciolosis were prevalent in the Zacatlán, Teziutlán and Ciudad Alemán districts during summer, autumn and summer, respectively. Using generalized estimating equations analysis, we determined six variables - rainfall (wet/dry), land surface temperature day, land surface temperature night, normalized difference vegetation index, seasonality and climate regions (temperate/tropical) - to be significantly associated with the prevalence of condemned livers. Climate region was the variable most strongly associated with F. hepatica infection (odds ratio (OR) 266.59; 95% confidence interval (CI): 241.90-353.34), followed by wet and dry seasons (OR 25.56; 95% CI: 20.56-55.67).

Incidence of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Cattle in Gazipur, Bangladesh

Incidence of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Cattle in Gazipur, Bangladesh

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Haemoprotozoan and Haemorickettsial Parasites of Cattle in the Indo-Bhutan Border Districts of Assam, India

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Haemoprotozoan and Haemorickettsial Parasites of Cattle in the Indo-Bhutan Border Districts of Assam, India

Horn Fly (Diptera: Muscidae)—Biology, Management, and Future Research Directions

AbstractThe horn fly, Haematobia irritans irritans (L.), is one of the most important external parasites of cattle in North America and elsewhere. Horn fly adults have an intimate association with cattle, their primary host. With their often-high numbers and by feeding up to 38 times per day per fly, horn flies stress cattle. The resulting productivity loss is valued at more than 2.3 billion USD in the United States. Insecticides are commonly used to mitigate direct injury from feeding and indirect injury from disease transmission. This paper discusses horn fly biology, distribution, and management. Emphasis is on promising new approaches in novel insecticides, repellents, biological control, vaccines, animal genetics, and sterile insect technology that will lead to effective preventative tactics and the integration of smart technologies with horn fly management. We conclude with a discussion of research needs necessary to shift horn fly integrated pest management to an emphasis on preventative tactics and the precision use of reactive techniques.