Prevalence of Fasciolosis in Buffaloes of Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Fasciolosis is a trematode borne parasitic disease that infects liver of large ruminants widely prevalent throughout the world. During the present study fecal samples from buffaloes were collected on random basis from the all tehsils of Bahawalpur district form February 2012 to October 2012. Of total 1800 fecal samples, 284 (15.8%) were found to be positive. Highest prevalence was recorded in Yazman (21.7%) followed by Bahawalpur (16.7%), Khairpur (15.6%), Hasilpur (14.4%) and the lowest was recorded in Ahmedpur (10.6%). Statically chi-square (?²) showed non significant (p>0.05) difference between all areas. Monthly overall highest prevalence was recorded in September (31%), while the lowest was found in the month of May (3.5%). Statistically a significant (p<0.05) difference was recorded in all months. Overall highest seasonal wise prevalence was found in autumn (28.3%) followed by winter (21%), summer (12%) and lowest in spring (8.3%). In age wise prevalence the adult buffaloes were highly (19.9%) infected than young ones (5.3%). Statistically a significant difference (p<0.05) was found between all seasons and age groups. Gender wise the prevalence was slightly higher but statistically non significant (p>0.05) in females (15.9%) than males (15.1%). Bahawalpur (Pakistan) has a significant prevalence (%) of fasciolosis that may cause economic loss.

Keys word: Fasciolosis, baffaloes, Bahawalpur, prevalence.