Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in Malarani Rural Municipality of Arghakanchi, Nepal

Abstract

The primary component of Nepal's agricultural system and a substantial contributor to the country's economy is livestock. Buffaloes are one of the main types of livestock grown in Nepal. Total 200 fecal samples were collected in order to determine the prevalence and distribution of gastrointestinal parasites in buffaloes of Arghakhanchi, Nepal. The samples were microscopically examined by direct wet mount, sedimentation, and floatation techniques. One or more intestinal parasites were detected in 125 (62.5%) of the samples. Female buffaloes (58.5%) had a higher frequency of parasitic infection than male buffaloes (4%). Among the 200 samples, 60 were collected from young buffaloes and 140 from adults. Age wise prevalence of parasitic infection indicated that 32% in young and 68% in adult buffaloes were found infected. Adult buffaloes had a significantly high parasitic infection compared to young one ((χ2=16.20, df=1, p<0.05). Protozoan parasites Eimeria and Entamoeba were found equally common in young and adult buffaloes. Trematodes including Fasciola, Paramphistomum, and Eurytrema, which are helminths, were more abundant in adult buffaloes. Except for Ascaris and Capillaria, other nematodes had a higher prevalence in adult buffaloes. Only adult buffaloes were found to be infected with cestode parasite. Buffaloes of Malarani rural municipality were found to be highly infected with Ascaris sp and Entamoeba sp belonging to helminth and protozoan parasites respectively. Ward wise parasitic prevalence rate indicated that the distribution of parasitic prevalence was not significant (χ2=1.216, df=2, p>0.05). Overall parasitic prevalence showed protozoa (42.50%), nematodes (37%), trematodes (15.50%), and cestodes (1%) infection in buffaloes of study area. Overall, ten different parasitic infection was found in buffaloes of Malarani rural municipality with high prevalence indicating urgent need of intervention programms.