Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle in Indonesia: A meta-analysis and systematic review

Gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) pose a major health challenge for cattle in Indonesia. GIP infections affect the production and reproductive performance of cattle, resulting in economic losses. However, the prevalence and distribution of infections have not been comprehensively profiled at the national level. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of GIP infections in cattle in Indonesia.

Overall, 667 articles were identified from six databases in English and Bahasa Indonesia. After removing duplicates and screening titles and abstracts based on the inclusion criteria (i.e., GIP prevalence in cattle in Indonesia), 67 articles were included in the data review. Data were pooled using a random-effects model in STATA software. Heterogeneity was tested using Cochran's Q-value and I² statistics, whereas publication bias was assessed using Egger's regression test.

The overall pooled prevalence of GIP in Indonesia was 46% (95% confidence interval 37%-55%), with a total population of 17,278 cattle screened. The I² value was 99.59%, Cochran's Q-value was 15,957.25, and p = 0.001. The results of the regional meta-analysis based on the provinces in the three zones of Indonesia showed estimated prevalence rates of 54.0%, 52.7%, and 53.7% in Western, Central, and Eastern Indonesia, respectively. The parasite with the highest prevalence was Eimeria spp. (37.7%), followed by nematodes (34.4%) and trematodes (Fasciola spp., 21.4%).

The findings reveal a high prevalence of GIPs in cattle across Indonesia, with significant variability across regions and parasite types. Eimeria spp., nematodes, and trematodes represent the most prevalent infections and underscore the urgent need for region-specific control strategies, including improved livestock management practices, routine screening, and integrated parasitic control programs.