Gastrointestinal parasite infections in fighting bulls in South Thailand

Abstract

Background and Aim: Bullfighting is booming in South Thailand, attracting tourists, and stimulating local economies. The bulls are well raised and practiced, but in many cases, the owners lack knowledge and understanding of the prevention of animal diseases, including parasitic infections. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasite infection in fighting bulls. Materials and Methods: A total of 1501 fecal samples were collected from bulls aged 2-5 years visiting the animal hospital of Prince of Songkla University during 2016-2019. The formalin ethylether concentration method was used to detect GI parasites in feces. Results: The overall rate of GI parasite infection was 94.27%. Rumen fluke eggs were detected in 97.17% of all infected animals, followed in prevalence by strongyles (26.29%), Eurytrema spp. (2.83%), Fasciola spp. (2.47%), Trichuris spp. (0.35%), and Moniezia spp. (0.14%). Two protozoan genera were identified, Balantidium coli (6.64%) and Eimeria spp. (3.53%). Coinfection was observed in 33.99%. The five most common coinfections were rumen fluke with strongyles (20.85%), B. coli (4.66%), Eimeria spp. (1.55%), Eurytrema spp. (1.34%), and Fasciola spp. (1.06%). Conclusion: In addition to high GI parasite infection rates, zoonotic parasites were observed. Therefore, it is recommended that farmers should follow good sanitation and prevention practices to control parasitic infections in bulls, and proper hygienic precautions should be taken by the owners. Implementation of deworming programs using appropriate anthelmintic drugs as well as rotation of anthelmintic drug that have different chemical agent to prevent further drug resistance should be considered. The promotion of bull health management is highly recommended to protect humans from zoonotic diseases.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Kalasin Province, Thailand

“…However, this study found a low prevalence of Fasciola spp. infections, fasciolosis has been identified by the WHO as a remerging neglected tropical disease associated with endemic and epidemic outbreaks of diseases in human populations [19]. Our findings indicate that the high prevalence of Fasciola spp in Kalasin Province may relate to the location of Kalasin Province which is adjacent to Lampao dam, resulting in the appropriate temperature and humidity for promoting the intermediate host population growth such as intermediate snail hosts and water vegetables [31,32].…”

“…In bulls, the main infection was caused by Paramphistomum spp. (97.17%), but strongyles infection was low (26.29%) [19]. Fasciola spp.…”

“…The individual fecal samples were brought to the laboratory and processed in the Technology Veterinary Laboratory of Kalasin University. The fecal examination was done by 10% formalin ethylacetate centrifugation [19]. The prevalence was determined using the following equation:…”

Rumen Fluke in Cattle and Buffaloes in Asia: A Review

“…The distribution of rumen fluke infecting ruminants has been well documented globally owing to the economic importance from the veterinary standpoint (Huson et al, 2017;Nisar et al, 2021;Pfukenyi & Mukaratirwa, 2018), with a broad geographical spread, particularly in Nigeria, Thailand, and India (Dube, 2010;Kaewnoi et al, 2020;Malathi et al, 2021). Different rumen fluke species predominated in other parts of the world (Rafiq et al, 2020).…”

“…The common species of snails that can act as intermediate hosts of rumen fluke reported from different Asian countries include Radix rubiginosa, Radix auricularia, Lymnaea truncatula, Lymnaea stagnalis, Lymnaea natalensis, Lymnaea palustris, Lymnaea viridis, Lymnaea luteola, Bulinus truncates, Bulinus furskalii, and Indoplanorbis exustus (Dodangeh et al, 2019;Dung et al, 2013;Martin & Cabrera, 2018;Mohammed et al, 2016). Therefore, rumen fluke is found at high prevalence in most tropical and sub-tropical countries such as Bangladesh, Thailand, Indonesia, and India (Azam et al, 2012;Kaewnoi et al, 2020;Hambal et al, 2020;Malathi et al, 2021), particularly in locations where the climatic and environmental conditions are favourable for the intermediate host snail's survival and multiplications (Gordon et al, 2013;Taylor et al, 2007). Also, these intermediate hosts play an essential role in completing the life cycle of rumen fluke and transmitting the disease (Lotfy et al, 2010;Pfukenyi & Mukaratirwa, 2018).…”