Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle in Three Districts in Central Ethiopia

Abstract

Parasitic diseases are a major impediment to livestock production worldwide. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites in many low-income countries is still limited. An epidemiological survey on these parasites in traditionally reared cattle was performed in central Ethiopia (West Shewa Zone), from September 2019 to November 2021. Overall, 691 samples were analyzed qualitatively (flotation technique) and quantitatively (McMaster technique) to detect helminth eggs and Eimeria oocysts. Furthermore, coprocultures were conducted on pooled samples to identify the genera of gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS). The difference in prevalence according to agroecology, season, age, sex and body condition score (BCS) was investigated using univariable tests and through a multivariable logistic regression analysis, whereas abundance values were interpreted using a descriptive approach. The highest prevalence values were observed for GIS (50.2%) and Eimeria spp. (36.0%), whereas Moniezia spp. (16.3%), Strongyloides spp. (5.1%) and Schistosoma spp. (4.2%) showed lower values. Trichuris spp. and Toxocara vitulorum were sporadically found. A coproculture revealed that Haemonchus spp. (34.6%), Trichostrongylus spp. (25.9%) and Bunostomum spp. (19.1%) were the most frequent genera of GIS. A poor BCS was strongly associated with the occurrence of GIS, while seasonal variations were detected for Eimeria spp., GIS, Moniezia spp. and Schistosoma spp., with a higher prevalence and burden during the rainy season, and agroecology also strongly influenced different parasitic taxa. This present study increases the knowledge about the epidemiological features of gastrointestinal parasites in the context of a low-income country, suggesting a more tailored approach for their control. The use of a BCS as an indicator for the selective treatment of highly infested animals is supported by our findings, introducing a possible way to prevent anthelmintic resistance in areas where basic diagnostic services are rarely used by farmers.

Moniezia expansa y Moniezia benedeni una parasitosis en rumiantes: una visión general de sus aspectos vinculados a su taxonomía

“…Finally, the review followed the inclusion, selection, identification and review criteria Figure 1. 10 . In tropical and subtropical areas, GIP are one of the main threats that limit the development and profitability of the livestock industry 11 .…”

Gastrointestinal Nematodes and Protozoa in Small and Large Ruminants from Rural Agro-Climatic Regions of Northern India

“…and Strongyloides spp. was reported from cattle in Ethiopia [44]. In the Andhra Pradesh state of India, a 39.1% prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes was recorded in domestic ruminants with a predominance of Haemonchus and Paramphistomum [45].…”

Prevalence and Risk Factor Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Cattle of Flood Prone Eastern Plains of Rajasthan

“…Incidences of parasitic infections in cattle have been reported around the globe viz. Pakistan (Ali et al, 2023), Ethopia (Terfa et al, 2023;Tiele et al, 2023), Nepal (Thapa et al, 2022), Columbia (Pinilla Leon et al, 2019), Srilanka (Gunathilaka et al, 2018) as well as from different parts of India such as, Sikkim (Rahman et al, 2012), Kashmir valley (Bushra et al, 2013), Meghalaya (Laha et al, 2013), Assam , Bihar (Deo et al, 2019), Madhya Pradesh , Gujarat (Maharana et al, 2016;Thakre et al, 2019), Haryana (Bhanot et al, 2023) and Rajasthan (Monika et al, 2017;Renwal et al, 2017;Choudhary et al, 2018a;Panwar et al, 2018 andSodha et al, 2021). Despite being the largest state in terms of area, Rajasthan never has enough pastures because of predominant dry conditions.…”