Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Cattle at Anwara Upazilla in Chittagong

Abstract

A two month long (9th February to 8th April, 2014) prevalence study on gastrointestinal parasitism was conducted in cattle at Anwara Upazilla in Chittagong, Bangladesh. A total of 50 fecal samples were collected randomly from different cattle breed (Red Chittagong Cattle, local breed and crossbred of HF). Samples were examined by routine coproscopic methods. The investigation revealed that, the overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infestation was 64% in the study population. Among different single gastrointestinal parasitic infections, the overall prevalence of Paramphistomum spp infection was highest (22%) followed by Toxocara spp infection (12%). The lowest prevalence was recorded by Trichostrongylus spp infection (2%). In case of mixed infection, the prevalence of Paramphistomum and Oesophagostomum was same as Paramphistomum and Oocysts (2%). Age specific prevalence was found higher in young (>1 -<2.5years ie >12-<30 month) than adult(≥2.5years ie 30 month) and calf(≤ 1year ie 12 month). In calf, Paramphistomum spp and Toxocara spp infection was (30%) than other species of parasites. In young and adult animal, Paramphistomum infection was highest and the result was almost similar 30%. Sex specific prevalence exposed that female animal showed almost similar susceptibility like male but it was not statistically significant. However, prevalence of Paramphistomum spp infections was the highest in female cattle (35%) than male. Prevalence of Fasciola spp infections (18.18%) along with Toxocara spp (18.18%) were found more in male animal. Trichostrongylus spp and Moniezia spp infection were only recorded in female cattle of this study. It could be stated that the current investigation was a limited study as tophographical variation, seasonal pattern of the diseases, short study period and small number of study population. Hence it can be recommended further extensive investigation on gastrointestinal parasitism to overcome the limitation of the current studies which will assist to determine the important predictors related to such diseases.