EPIDEMIOLOGY AND THERAPEUTIC STUDIES ON NEMATODES INFECTION IN CATTLE AT DISTRICT QILLA ABDULLAH, BALOCHISTAN

A study was conducted to assess the epidemiological and therapeutic control aspects of gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle at district Qilla Abdullah, Balochistan, from March 2012 to February 2013. A total of 600 fecal samples (50 samples per month) were examined during the study period. Fecal analysis showed overall higher nematodes prevalence as 27.99%. Among nematodes higher prevalence was recorded with infection of Ostertagia in cattle. Among age groups, cattle of <= 1 year of age presented higher nematodes prevalence than 1-2 years and >2 years age groups. Female cattle were infected higher than male animals with nematode parasites. The nematodes were prevalent throughout the year, however a peak infection was recorded during August and September. The therapeutic studies showed higher (89-100%) reduction of EPG in cattle calves treated with Ivermectin followed by Levamisole (88-100%) and Oxfendazole (86-100%). The present study was accomplished for a better understanding of gastrointestinal nematode infections under local climate and management system of the study area of Balochistan.