Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Local and Cross-Border Cattle in...

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infections are still a major concern for cattle health and productivity in tropical and subtropical regions. However, epidemiological data on GI parasitism in cattle from western Thailand remain limited, particularly in border areas with frequent animal movement. This study focuses on establishing the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections and identifies its related risk factors among the cattle in Kanchanaburi province, western Thailand. Cross-sectional study was performed from December 2022 to January 2023 involving 153 cattle from the following three study populations: local cattle from Thong Pha Phum district, Sangkhlaburi district, and cross-border cattle imported from Myanmar. Fecal samples were examined using both simple flotation and formalin-ethyl acetate sedimentation techniques, and data on animal and management factors were collected through questionnaire surveys. Overall, 35.9% (55/153) of the cattle had at least one GI parasite species positive. Six parasite taxa were identified, with Strongyle-type nematodes being the most frequently detected (26.1%), followed by other helminth parasites. The prevalence of infection and parasite diversity increased progressively in cattle populations located closer to the Thai-Myanmar border, suggesting that this region may represent a potential hotspot for GI parasite transmission. From a One Health perspective, these findings highlight the potential for some helminths to circulate across animal, human, and environmental interfaces. The presence of 1.3% for both Capillaria spp., Trichuris spp. and 0.7% of Fasciola spp. suggests possible zoonotic transmission pathways, particularly via the fecal-oral route. Although 93.5% of cattle had reportedly received anthelmintic treatment, no apparent protective effect was observed. These findings highlight that the Thai-Myanmar border acts as a hotspot for parasite transmission and the need for improved parasite control strategies in this region, alongside integrated One Health surveillance linking animal, human, and environmental health in this cross-border region.