Factors affecting endoparasitic infections and ectoparasitic infestations of buffaloes in mymensingh, bangladesh

Abstract

Aim: Buffaloes contribute in increasing demand for milk and meat. However, parasitism is one of the major threats for profitable livestock production. To do this, we attempted to determine the prevalence and associated factors of endoparasitic infections and ectoparasitic infestations of buffaloes at Trishal, Mymensingh. Materials and Methods: Modified Stoll's dilution technique was employed for the identification of developmental stages of endoparasites and prepared permanent slides for ectoparasites. Results: A total of 150 buffaloes were examined, of which 103 (68.7%), were infected with one or more species of endoparasites. Seven species of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites (ova/cyst/oocyst) were identified, of them two species were trematodes, Paramphistomum cervi (28.7%), Fasciola gigantica (16.0%); two species were nematodes namely strongyles (1.3%), Trichuris spp. (2.0%); one species of cestode, Moniezia sp. (0.7%) and two species of protozoa namely, Balantidium coli (44.0%) and Eimeria spp. (4.7%). The intensity of infection (EPG/OPG/CPG) was also determined. The range of EPG/OPG/CPG varied among the parasites from 100 to 1500. Mean EPG/OPG/CPG count was 252±54.4. The prevalence of GI parasites was significantly (p5 years than in young buffaloes aged 2-5 years (42.2%). During this study, 53.3% of buffaloes were infested with Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (13.3%) and Haematopinus tuberculatus (52.7%). The mean parasitic burden of ectoparasites was also determined (4.7±2.9). Conclusion: Age of host was significantly associated with endoparasitic infections but age and sex of buffaloes had no significant effect on the ectoparasitic infestations. The present study suggested that an attention should be given to control parasitic infections and infestations in buffaloes.

Keywords

• factors
• prevalence
• endoparasites
• ectoparasites
• buffaloes