Gastrointestinal Parasitism in Cattle and Water Buffaloes in Pakistan: Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors

Gastrointestinal parasites are a major constraint to livestock productivity in Pakistan. However, comprehensive epidemiological data for cattle and water buffaloes in the Malakand Division remain limited. This study aimed to assess prevalence, risk factors, and molecular characteristics of key parasites to support targeted control strategies.

A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2022 across nine districts of the Malakand Division (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan). A total of 972 fecal samples (496 cattle, 476 water buffaloes) were analyzed using flotation, sedimentation, and McMaster techniques. Associations with risk factors were evaluated using statistical analysis. Molecular characterization of Haemonchus contortus was performed by PCR amplification of the ITS-1 region, followed by sequencing and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analysis.

Overall parasite prevalence was 31.8%, significantly higher in cattle (36.5%) than in water buffaloes (26.9%). H. contortus was the dominant parasite (23.3%), followed by Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. Younger animals (< 2 years) showed significantly higher prevalence than older animals (> 7 years; p < 0.001). Gender effects differed between species, with higher prevalence in female cattle and male buffaloes. Seasonal variation was significant at the population level, with higher prevalence in spring and summer (p = 0.036), while geographic variation was not significant. Water source was significantly associated with infection in buffaloes (p = 0.021). Haemonchus showed the highest egg counts, indicating strong transmission potential. Molecular analysis confirmed H. contortus identity, with high similarity (up to 100%) between Pakistani isolates and moderate variation with global sequences (≈98.6%).

Gastrointestinal parasitism represents a moderate but significant burden in the Malakand Division, with H. contortus as the dominant species. Age, host species, gender, season, and water source are key determinants of infection. Targeted control strategies focusing on high-risk groups, seasonal timing, and improved management practices are essential. Molecular findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the identification of H. contortus in the study area, although broader sequencing of representative isolates is needed to better characterize parasite diversity and population structure.