Epidemiological studies of paramphistomosis in cattle

Abstract

Epidemiological studies were undertaken at slaughter houses, live stock farms, veterinary hospitals and on household buffaloes under different management and climatic conditions in four different districts of the Punjab province. Infection rate was 7.83%, 12.33%, 7.17% and 4.25% respectively in the cattle at the slaughter house, live stock farm, veterinary hospital and at household cattle. Overall the highest prevalence in terms of season, 26% and 14.50%, was recorded during autumn at live stock farms and slaughtered cattle followed by 9.75% veterinary hospitals during summer and the lowest (2.5%) in household cattle was recorded during winter. It was observed that a higher infection rate was recorded in younger cattle (below two years of age) than older (above two years of age). Male cattle were more commonly affected than females. Snails belonging to genera Bulinus, Lymnaea and Planorbis were observed which are responsible for the transmission of paramphistomosis.