Prevalence of GI helminths of cattle in low lying and marshy areas of Kashmir valley

Abstract

The study was conducted to find out the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminths in cattle of low lying and marshy areas of Kashmir valley over a period of one year. The qualitative faecal examination of 885 samples revealed an overall prevalence of GI helminths to the tune of 37.06% comprising 7.80% trematodes, 4.29% cestodes and 31.98% nematodes. Prevalence of paramphistomes (7.34%) was more than that of Fasciola spp (0.45%). Among cestodes, the only genus reported was Moniezia spp (4.29%). In nematodes, maximum prevalence was observed for strongyle worms (31.19%) followed by Strongyloides spp. (1.24%) and Trichuris spp (0.57%). Seasonal variation of GI helminths revealed significantly highest prevalence in autumn (50%) followed by spring (41.62%), summer (33.99%) and winter (25.50%). Overall prevalence of GI helminths was significantly higher in young cattle (64.62%) than adults (32.32%). Significantly higher prevalence of GI helminths was observed in males (50.53%) as compared to females (35.44%). Mean intensity of GI nematodes ranged from 0 to 350 with an average of 177.41±28.25 eggs per gram (EPG). Significantly highest mean intensity of GI nematodes was found in summer (173.61±46.70) followed by spring (148.88±56.70), autumn (113±11.34) and winter (95.83±33.24). Mean EPG in young cattle (192.71±27.20) was significantly higher than that of adults (162.11±29.30). Sex had non-significant influence on intensity of GI nematodes. On the basis of above study, it can be concluded that the prophylactic dosing of cattle against trematodes should be done during late autumn and late winter or early spring. Similarly prophylactic de-worming of animals in mid-autumn, mid-spring and mid-summer shall be useful in preventing production losses. However, it will be better to use broad spectrum drug which is effective against trematodes, cestodes as well as nematodes to avoid frequent dosing.