The prevalence of helminthiasis in cattle, Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence of helminthiasis among cattle in seven districts of Terengganu, namely: Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, Setiu, Dungun, Kemaman, Marang and Besut. The periods of samplings were from March 2015 to January 2016 conducted between 0800-1400h. A total of 219 faecal samples and 214 blood samples were collected from the animals. The faecal samples were analyzed by faecal sedimentation method, modified McMaster method, culture techniques and identification of third stage larvae morphologically. The blood samples were centrifuged for sera that were used for serological test. Results showed that the overall helminthiasis was made of 55.0% trematodes and 14.0% nematode infection. Out of 55.0% of trematode infection, 41.0% was liver fluke infection, 8.0% was rumen fluke infection and 52.0% was co-infection of liver fluke and rumen fluke. A significant difference in the distribution of trematode eggs was recorded among the animals, χ²(2, N=120) = 41, p<0.05. Faecal egg count (FEC) for gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes were ranged from 0 - 800 e.p.g. The mean faecal egg count was 21.5 ± 4.5 e.p.g. Faecal culture revealed that the most prevalent nematodes identified was Haemonchus (81.0%), followed by Trichostrongylus (15.0%) and Oesophagostomum (4.0%), χ²(2, N=100) = 104, p<0.05. Sandwich ELISA test revealed 82.0% of the sero samples were positive for liver fluke infection. It can be concluded that trematode infection is an on-going problem in cattle located in Terengganu, which can lead to economic losses for the farmers.