Prevalence of Gastrointenstinal Helminths in Cattle with and Without Patent Natural Schistosoma Infection in and Around Bahir Dar

Abstract

A cross sectional study was conducted from November 2014 to April 2015 in and around Bahir Dar, North Western Ethiopia to assess the concurrent gastrointestinal helminths in cattle with and without patent natural Schistosoma infection. A total of 200 faecal samples were examined using flotation and sedimentation techniques.  The results show the prevalence of Fasciola, Schistosoma, Paramphistomum and Strongyle eggs were found to be 14%, 20%, 35.5% and 28% respectively. The overall prevalence irrespective of helminth genera was 59.5%. No statistical difference between male and females, young and adults or local and cross breeds in the prevalence of the infections. Mixed infections with two or more parasites were not uncommon. Fasciola eggs were more prevalent in the faeces of Schistosoma positive than in Schstosoma negative cattle (P<0.01). On the other hand, strongyle eggs were more prevalent in cattle harbouring Fasciola eggs than in those without Fasciola (P< 0.05).  We conclude that there are associations between different parasite species that deserve attention in the planing of any helmith control program.

Keywords: Cattle, Fasciola, Mixed infection, Prevalence, Schistosoma