Search Results (3)

Endoparasitosis is a critical health challenge in the management of Creole goats under extensive production systems due to its negative impact on animal health and productivity. This study determined the occurrence of endoparasites and identified associated risk factors in Creole goats from the southern coast of Peru. Fecal samples were collected from 129 goats in two localities of the Pisco province to detect the presence of oocysts from Eimeria spp. and eggs from trichostrongyles, Skrjabinema spp., Trichuris spp., and Fasciola hepatica. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models and adjusted through bootstrapping and stepwise selection methods, with locality, feeding type, age, and body condition as predictive variables. The results revealed a high occurrence of Eimeria spp. (86.0%) and trichostrongyles (65.1%), while Fasciola hepatica (14.0%) and Skrjabinema spp. (7.0%) were exclusively identified in Independencia and San Clemente, respectively. Mixed infestations were predominant (65.9%), occurring more frequently in Independencia (75.9%) than in San Clemente (57.7%) (OR: 2.26, p < 0.05). The likelihood of infestation was significantly higher in Independencia for Eimeria spp. (OR: 5.72, p < 0.01) and Fasciola hepatica (OR: 61.4, p < 0.01). Moreover, goats fed exclusively on alfalfa were more likely to be infested with Fasciola hepatica compared to those fed a mixed diet of alfalfa and crop residues (OR: 0.06, p < 0.05). These findings underscore the necessity of implementing comprehensive health programs tailored to local management and feeding conditions. Full article

Surveillance of endoparasites at the host community level is rarely reported for ungulates. Yet, changes in the composition and abundance of species in ungulate assemblages, coupled with environmental and climate change, bring into focus the need for baseline data on endoparasite occurrence in host species at the community level. We investigated the prevalence and intensity of eggs of endoparasites in feces of a dynamic boreal ungulate community in Yukon, Canada, that included reintroduced bison (Bison bison), as well as introduced elk (Cervus canadensis), naturally colonizing mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and resident populations of caribou (Rangifer tarandus), moose (Alces americanus), and thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). We also examined the change in endoparasite prevalence and intensity in bison fecal samples collected eight years apart. The prevalence of eggs detected in feces differed across species for most endoparasite groups. We also provide new records of several endoparasites in novel hosts or new geographic records. We detected a substantially greater prevalence and intensity of trichostrongyle-type eggs in bison feces between samples collected eight years apart. Our data emphasize the need for targeted pathogen surveillance programs to monitor the movement of various ungulate and associated endoparasites. This is particularly pertinent since our data potentially supports evidence for the continued northward expansion and host switching of protostrongylid species, which may have health implications for animals at a new interface. Full article

Pasture-borne parasites adversely affect bovine health and productivity worldwide. In Europe, gastrointestinal nematodes, especially Ostertagia ostertagi, the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica and the lungworm Dictyocaulus viviparus represent the most important parasites of dairy cattle. The present study assessed exposure towards these parasites among 646 cattle herds in three parts of Germany during 2017–2019 via antibody detection in bulk tank milk (BTM). Overall, O. ostertagi levels indicative of production losses were detected in 41.2% (266/646; 95% confidence interval (CI): 37.4–45.1%) of BTM samples, while F. hepatica seroprevalence amounted to 14.9% (96/646; 95% CI: 12.2–17.9%). Only 2.3% (15/646; 95% CI: 1.4–3.9%) of samples were D. viviparus antibody-positive. Significantly lower O. ostertagi as well as F. hepatica seroprevalence was detected in dual-purpose breeds compared to high-performance breeds from the same region. Management factors related to parasite exposure included access to fresh grass and hay, silage quality and anthelmintic treatment. Furthermore, F. hepatica and O. ostertagi seropositivity was significantly associated with suboptimal herd-level body condition. Interestingly, the relationship between seropositivity and productivity differed between breed types. Negative impacts on milk yield were detected only in high-performance breeds, while O. ostertagi seropositivity was associated with a lower milk fat content in dual-purpose herds. Full article