Epidemiological insights into bovine helminthiasis in Upper Egypt: Prevalence, risk factors, and pathological...

This study examines the prevalence of helminthic infestations, risk factors, and odds ratios in 1 300 cattle, revealing significant patterns in parasite distribution and influencing factors. Overall, 60.3% of cattle were infested with one or more types of parasites, with Moniezia spp. being the most prevalent (46.9%), followed by Fasciola spp. (36.9%), Paramphistomum spp. (26.8%), and Avitellina spp. (10.8%). Among the seasons, winter exhibited the highest infestation rate (66.1%), and calves under one year of age were more commonly infested (64.2%) than older cattle (over three years: 51.1%, OR = 0.584 1). Distinct seasonal and age-related patterns were observed for specific parasites. Fasciola spp. was most prevalent in winter (45.09%) and among the youngest cattle (47.87%), while Paramphistomum spp. and Moniezia spp. showed less variation across seasons. Avitellina spp. had the lowest infestation rates in the spring, and cattle older than three years were affected. Co-infections were common, notably between Fasciola and other parasites, with the highest co-infestation rate observed between Avitellina spp. and Moniezia spp. Analysis of deworming efficacy indicated higher treatment success for Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp., lower odds of response for Avitellina spp., and no significant treatment effect for Moniezia spp. Microscopic and pathological examinations were also conducted. These results demonstrate the necessity of thorough deworming procedures along with targeted parasite control to reduce significant health hazards in cattle populations.