Incidence and therapeutic management of Eimeria species infection in Murrah buffalo calves

Abstract

The present study was undertaken to examine the incidence of Eimeria species infection in Murrah buffalo calves and evaluate the therapeutic management of the disease. In November 2019, 9 to 10 buffaloes calves up to 3 months of age showed symptoms of diarrhoea, loss of appetite, and poor weight gain at an organised dairy farm. Based on history, faecal samples were collected from 20 buffaloes calves and subjected to standard qualitative coprological examination and quantitative analysis using a modified McMaster technique. Out of 20 faecal samples, 90% were positive for coccidia oocysts. Among positive samples, 11% were heavily infected and 16% had a moderate level of infection of Eimeria spp. Six species of Eimeria were identified, E. bareillyi was the most often encountered species, accounting for 37.39%, followed by E. bovis (22.76%), E. zuernii (14.63%), E. ellipsoidalis (13.82%), E. canadensis (13.82%), and E. cylindrica (6.50%). Blood examination of mild and severely affected calves revealed a decrease in the mean values of hemoglobulin, total erythrocyte count, total leucocyte count, platelets and an increase in monocytes as compared with healthy calves. The affected calves were treated with combination of Sulphadiazine and Trimethoprim (Biotrim IV injection) along with supportive treatment for five successive days. All the affected animals responded well to the treatment and showed marked reduction in clinical symptoms as well as oocyst output.