Environmental predictors of bovine Eimeria infection in western Kenya

Prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with Fasciola hepatica and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Peruvian Amazon

Background and Aim

Extensive cattle rearing is a major source of economy for the inhabitants of the Amazon region of Peru. Milk and meat production is generally affected by the prevalence of various parasites, including hepatic and gastrointestinal parasites, as these products provide ideal conditions for parasitic growth. This poses a serious public health threat. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, coinfection, and risk factors associated with the liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) and other gastrointestinal parasites in cattle from the Amazon region of Peru.

Materials and Methods

Fecal samples obtained from 1450 bovine specimens were analyzed using flotation and sedimentation methods to identify parasites, including Eimeria spp., strongyle-type eggs (STEs), and F. hepatica. We collected information about the specimens, including age, sex, origin, breed, category, frequency of deworming, farm size, herd size, water sources, and rearing system by conducting simple inspections and interviewing owners. The data obtained were statistically evaluated using the Chi-square test (p < 0.05) to determine the association between the qualitative variables. We also calculated the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval to identify the risk factors.

Results

We observed that F. hepatica, Eimeria spp., and STEs were 45.6%, 39.8%, and 35.3% prevalent, respectively. We found risk factors related to distomatosis in the animals from Huambo, where the drinking water sources are mainly streams, ditches, and rivers, while the specimens from Valle Chico were predisposed to coccidiosis. Further, the risk factors related to the presence of STEs in feces were age (61-90 months), origin (Valle Chico), herd size (<50 animals), and type of extensive rearing. Furthermore, significant coinfection was observed between Eimeria spp. and STEs.

Conclusion

The high percentages of parasites in cattle observed were related to epidemiological factors, such as the origin of the sample, water sources, age, herd size, and extensive breeding. Similarly, the presence of STEs was a risk factor for contracting coccidiosis. Our future goals include investigating these parasites using a larger sample size and identifying more risk factors using more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests.

The role of feeds in the transmission of chicken pathogens in Dodoma Urban District, Tanzania

Chicken production is an important economic activity in Tanzania. Indigenous chickens are kept in rural areas, while exotic breeds are kept in urban areas. Due to their high productivity, exotic breeds are becoming important sources of protein in fast-growing cities. Dodoma is one of the cities growing very fast in Tanzania. As a result, production of layers and broilers has increased dramatically. However, diseases remain the major challenge to chicken production despite the efforts of livestock officers to educate people on good management practices. This has made farmers think that feeds may be the source of pathogens. The study's objectives were thus to identify the major diseases affecting broiler and layer chickens in the Dodoma urban district, as well as the potential role of feeds in pathogen transmission to chickens. A household survey was conducted to identify common diseases affecting chickens in the study area. Thereafter, locally prepared feed samples were collected from twenty shops available in the district to determine the presence of Salmonella and Eimeria parasites. The presence of Eimeria parasites in the feeds was determined by raising day-old chicks in a sterile environment for 3 wk while feeding them the feed samples collected. Fecal samples from the chicks were analyzed for the presence of Eimeria parasites. Salmonella contamination of the feed samples was determined in the laboratory through the culture method. The study found that coccidiosis, Newcastle disease, fowl typhoid, infectious bursal disease, and colibacillosis are the main diseases affecting chickens in the district. After 3 wk of rearing, 3 out of 15 chicks developed coccidiosis. In addition, about 31.1% of the feed samples showed the presence of Salmonella spp. The prevalence of Salmonella was highest in limestone (53.3%), followed by fishmeal (26.7%), and maize bran (13.3%). It has been concluded that feeds are potential carriers of pathogens. To reduce economic losses and the continuous use of drugs in chicken production, health authorities should assess the microbial quality of poultry feeds.

Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Cattle in Three Districts in Central Ethiopia

Parasitic diseases are a major impediment to livestock production worldwide. However, knowledge about the epidemiology of gastrointestinal parasites in many low-income countries is still limited. An epidemiological survey on these parasites in traditionally reared cattle was performed in central Ethiopia (West Shewa Zone), from September 2019 to November 2021. Overall, 691 samples were analyzed qualitatively (flotation technique) and quantitatively (McMaster technique) to detect helminth eggs and Eimeria oocysts. Furthermore, coprocultures were conducted on pooled samples to identify the genera of gastrointestinal strongyles (GIS). The difference in prevalence according to agroecology, season, age, sex and body condition score (BCS) was investigated using univariable tests and through a multivariable logistic regression analysis, whereas abundance values were interpreted using a descriptive approach. The highest prevalence values were observed for GIS (50.2%) and Eimeria spp. (36.0%), whereas Moniezia spp. (16.3%), Strongyloides spp. (5.1%) and Schistosoma spp. (4.2%) showed lower values. Trichuris spp. and Toxocara vitulorum were sporadically found. A coproculture revealed that Haemonchus spp. (34.6%), Trichostrongylus spp. (25.9%) and Bunostomum spp. (19.1%) were the most frequent genera of GIS. A poor BCS was strongly associated with the occurrence of GIS, while seasonal variations were detected for Eimeria spp., GIS, Moniezia spp. and Schistosoma spp., with a higher prevalence and burden during the rainy season, and agroecology also strongly influenced different parasitic taxa. This present study increases the knowledge about the epidemiological features of gastrointestinal parasites in the context of a low-income country, suggesting a more tailored approach for their control. The use of a BCS as an indicator for the selective treatment of highly infested animals is supported by our findings, introducing a possible way to prevent anthelmintic resistance in areas where basic diagnostic services are rarely used by farmers.

Long-term temporal trends in gastrointestinal parasite infection in wild Soay sheep

Monitoring the prevalence and abundance of parasites over time is important for addressing their potential impact on host life histories, immunological profiles and their influence as a selective force. Only long-term ecological studies have the potential to shed light on both the temporal trends in infection prevalence and abundance and the drivers of such trends, because of their ability to dissect drivers that may be confounded over shorter time scales. Despite this, only a relatively small number of such studies exist. Here, we analysed changes in the prevalence and abundance of gastrointestinal parasites in the wild Soay sheep population of St. Kilda across 31 years. The host population density (PD) has increased across the study, and PD is known to increase parasite transmission, but we found that PD and year explained temporal variation in parasite prevalence and abundance independently. Prevalence of both strongyle nematodes and coccidian microparasites increased during the study, and this effect varied between lambs, yearlings and adults. Meanwhile, abundance of strongyles was more strongly linked to host PD than to temporal (yearly) dynamics, while abundance of coccidia showed a strong temporal trend without any influence of PD. Strikingly, coccidian abundance increased 3-fold across the course of the study in lambs, while increases in yearlings and adults were negligible. Our decades-long, intensive, individual-based study will enable the role of environmental change and selection pressures in driving these dynamics to be determined, potentially providing unparalleled insight into the drivers of temporal variation in parasite dynamics in the wild.

Dry Season Eimeria Infection in Dairy Cattle and Sheep in and Around Adama and Bishoftu Towns, Oromia, Ethiopia

Introduction

Eimeria infection is one of the protozoal diseases of animals caused by various species of Eimeria (intracellular parasite) and causes reduced productivity and mortality in ruminants, especially in young ones. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information in Ethiopia on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2021 to April 2022 in and around Adama and Bishoftu towns with the objectives to estimate the prevalence of Eimeria infection; identify circulating Eimeria oocysts, the intensity/burden of infection and associated risk factors of Eimeria infection in cattle and sheep. A total of 384 randomly selected (265 cattle and 119 sheep) fecal samples were collected from the rectum and examined by flotation technique using sheather’s sugar solution to detect the oocysts of Eimeria. A 2.5% potassium dichromate solution was added to the positive fecal samples for sporulation of the oocysts.

Results and discussion

The overall prevalence of 48.95% Eimeria infection was recorded during the study. 45.0% and 58% prevalence of the infection was registered in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P ˂ 0.05) in Eimeria infection between the study animal species, age of the animals, breed, farm hygiene and management system. However, there was no significant difference in Eimeria infection (P > 0.05) in sex, body condition of the animals and fecal consistency. The maximum oocysts per gram of feces was found to be 10,000. Eimeria infection is of great importance to livestock producers and requires serious control and prevention initiatives.

Occurrence and biodiversity of Eimeria spp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in Madura cattle reared on Kamal Subdistrict, Madura Island, Indonesia

Background and Aim:

In Indonesia, Madura cattle are native breeds that are expected to contribute to the improvement of regional meat self-sufficiency. Eimeria spp. are protozoans that are commonly found in ruminants. This study aimed to identify the occurrence and diversity of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle.

Materials and Methods:

In this study, fresh fecal samples were collected from 100 cattle in Kamal Subdistrict, Bangkalan District, Madura Island, Indonesia. Morphological detection was performed using a light microscope, and molecular identification was performed using a polymerase chain reaction. DNA amplification was conducted using various species-specific primers for Eimeria bovis, Eimeria zuernii, Eimeria auburnensis, Eimeria alabamensis, Eimeria ellipsoidalis, and Eimeria cylindrica.

Results:

The results obtained 21% (21/100) of Eimeria spp. based on morphological detection. A total of 15 positive samples with 500–25,000/mL oocysts were selected for DNA extraction and amplification, resulting in 12 positive samples. Four Eimeria spp. were obtained based on molecular identification: E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, and E. cylindrica.

Conclusion:

Four species of Eimeria namely E. bovis, E. zuernii, E. auburnensis, and E. cylindrica were identified from fecal sample of Madura cattle using PCR method in this study. Further comprehensive studies are required to investigate the pathogenicity of Eimeria spp. in Madura cattle. Therefore, improved and integrated management practices should be strengthened by local governments to prevent pathogenic diseases and increase national livestock productivity in Indonesia.

Prevalence and risk factors of coccidiosis in calves from Veracruz, México

The objectives of the present study were: (1) to determine the prevalence of Eimeria spp. sporulated oocysts in calves from 26 Municipalities in the Central Zone of the State of Veracruz, Mexico, (2) to identify the Eimeria spp. infecting calves, and (3) to identify the risk factors associated with the presence of Eimeria spp. in tropical cattle. A total of 930 individual fecal samples were analyzed by using the McMaster technique; then, oocysts were maintained in 2.5% potassium dichromate to allow sporulation. The general prevalence of calves with Eimeria spp. oocysts was 39.7% (370/930). Of a total of 10 identified species, Eimeria canadensis was the most observed, followed by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. The statistical analysis showed an association between the age of the calves (5 to 9 months), the presence of other animals, the physiographic regions and the restricted type of husbandry with the presence of Eimeria spp. in calves (P<0.05). Protective risk factors, such as: routine coprological analysis was also associated with a decrease in infection. These data demonstrate the presence of coccidia in cattle from the State of Veracruz, additionally to the necessary measures that must be taken to control this parasitosis.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with Eimeria species infection in cattle of different geographical regions of Indonesia

Background and Aim:

Eimeria spp. are gastrointestinal protozoans that affect animal productivity, thereby causing symptoms that range from bloody diarrhea to death. These symptoms cause economic losses to farmers. The distribution of Eimeria spp. in cattle has, therefore, been reported to have spread widely, especially in the tropics and subtropics. Indonesia is a tropical country at high risk of Eimeria infections. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors related to the levels of eimeriosis in beef cattle originating from different geographic areas in Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

Here, 817 fecal samples were collected from beef cattle in Indonesia, including 282 calves, 535 adults, 530 males, and 287 females. In addition, 156 semi-intensively and 661 intensively managed cattle were randomly collected. Then, fecal samples were analyzed by parasitology examinations.

Results:

Screening examination using the sugar flotation modification method showed that Eimeria spp. were prevalent in Indonesia, as 65.4% of the bacterial strain was detected. The prevalence of identified Eimeria spp. in Indonesia was highest in North Maluku (Maluku Island) (94.1%), whereas the lowest levels were observed in West Java (24.0%) (Java Island). The prevalence was also found to be higher in males (79.3%) than females (51.9%). Similarly, levels in semi-intensively managed cattle (66.7%) were higher than those subjected to intensive management (65.9%). However, its prevalence in calf and adult cattle was similar.

Conclusion:

Bovine eimeriosis spp. were detected at high prevalence in Indonesia, and high-level risks were observed in infected males, including those under the semi-intensive management. In addition, although the results from oocyst examinations were based on qualitative analysis, the endemicity levels of Eimeria spp. among farms in Indonesia should be considered because Eimeria spp. were distributed in most parts of Indonesia. Based on the results of this study, we provide the first information about the prevalence of bovine eimeriosis from different geographical locations in Indonesia, which have differing climates associated with the level of the existing risk factors. Hence, farmers are advised to pay more attention to strict biosecurity techniques on their farms, thereby favoring the early control of bovine eimeriosis.

Prevalence and infection risk factors of bovine Eimeria in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Eimeria spp. cause the disease coccidiosis, which results in chronic wasting of livestock and can lead to the death of the animal. The disease, common worldwide, has caused huge economic losses to the cattle industry in particular. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of bovine Eimeria in China. Our search of five databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chongqing VIP, and Wan Fang for articles published up to February 29, 2020 on the prevalence of Eimeria in cattle in mainland China yielded 46 articles, in which the prevalence of cattle ranged from 4.6% to 87.5%. The rate of bovine Eimeria infection has been decreasing year by year, from 57.9% before 2000 to 25.0% after 2015, but it is still high. We also analyzed the region, sampling years, detection methods, feeding model, seasons, and species of bovine Eimeria. We recommend that prevention strategies should focus on strengthening detection of Eimeria in calves in the intensive farming model.

Zoological institutions as hotspots of gastrointestinal parasites that may affect the success of ungulate reintroduction programmes

BACKGROUND

Ungulates from zoological institutions are frequently used as founders in reintroduction programmes. These animals are subject to specific parasite management as parasitic infections have previously been associated with failed Bovidae reintroductions.

METHODS

Questionnaires to obtain data on how these institutions screen for seasonal parasite presence and the clinical signs they induced in threatened ungulates were sent to 65 institutions involved in European Ex situ Programmes (58.5% response rate). Temperature and relative humidity data were also obtained to categorize each zoological centre.

RESULTS

Strongyloides spp. (52.6%), Trichuris spp. (42.1%), Trichostrongylidae family (39.4%) and Eimeria spp. (36.8%) were the most frequently reported parasites in the received questionnaires. Climatic variables did not influence parasite presence.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that artificial microenvironments created by husbandry practices and enclosure design in zoos could create hotspots for gastrointestinal parasites. To maximise the success of reintroduction projects, we recommend that the influence of microclimates on parasite burdens be evaluated.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. in goats and sheep in Northeastern Brazil

Eimeria spp. infections lead to acute or chronic intestinal disorders in small ruminants, being responsible for important economic losses worldwide. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection in small ruminants of the microregion of Garanhuns, state of Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil. Fecal samples (n = 822) were obtained from goats (n = 414) and sheep (n = 408) and evaluated by the modified Gordon and Whitlock technique. Risk factors were assessed through univariate analysis and logistical regression. Oocysts of Eimeria species were detected in 62.9% (517/822) of the animals, with 77.8% (322/414) in goats and 47.8% (195/408) in sheep. For goats, the herd size (OR = 5.52), rearing system (OR = 1.57), feeding place (OR = 2.60), absence of mineral salt in the diet (OR = 2.54), flooring type (OR = 2.83) and periodicity of cleaning (OR = 5.39) were considered risk factors. Conversely, for sheep only the herd size (OR = 3.16) and rearing system (OR = 2.45) were important factors associated with infection by Eimeria spp. Data herein obtained brings meaningful information on the epidemiology of coccidiosis in small ruminants in Northeastern Brazil. The knowledge of these risk factors is useful to contribute to the development of preventive measures, thereby, reducing the economic impact caused by these protozoa in small ruminant production.

A 10-Year Surveillance of Eimeria spp. in Cattle and Buffaloes in a Mediterranean Area

Coccidiosis due to Eimeria spp. are widespread parasitic infections in cattle and water buffaloes and may impair health, welfare, and production of these livestock species. The aims of this study were (i) to investigate the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of eimeriosis and (ii) to characterize the Eimeria species in large ruminants in a Mediterranean area, in order to plan effective control strategies. Parasitological data were obtained from a 10-year surveillance program (2010–2019) on 3,631 farms (2,089 buffalo and 1,542 cattle farms) sampled in central and southern Italy. Pooled fecal samples were analyzed using the FLOTAC technique with an analytic sensitivity of 2 oocysts per gram of feces (OPG) utilizing a saturated sodium chloride flotation solution (specific gravity = 1.200). Eimeria species identification was performed by morphometric analysis after a one week incubation of oocysts in a 2.5% potassium dichromate solution. The results showed high prevalence of Eimeria (up to 100%) in both cattle and buffaloes in the 10 years of surveillance, even if a slight reduction was reported in the last three years. The overall prevalence of eimeriosis was 91.7% (95% confidence interval, 95% CI = 90.2–93.1) in cattle farms and 81.5% (95% CI = 79.8–83.1) in water buffalo farms. The mean OPG value was 66.8 (min = 2; max = 8,065) in cattle and 55.9 (min = 2; max = 15,415) in water buffaloes, but this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In total, nine species of Eimeria were found in cattle the most prevalent being Eimeria bovis, E. ellipsoidalis, E. cylindrica, and E. zuernii, whereas in water buffaloes eight species of Eimeria were found, the most prevalent being E. ellipsoidalis, E. auburnensis, E. bovis, and E. zuernii. Mixed infections were common in both ruminant species. The seasonal pattern showed a higher prevalence of eimeriosis in cattle in spring (86.9%) whereas in buffalo farms the prevalence was higher in winter (82.3%) and summer (82.4%). In conclusion, the 10-year surveillance program indicates that eimeriosis is common in cattle and water buffaloes and therefore continuous effective control strategies are needed.

Epidemiological survey and risk factor analysis on Eimeria infections in calves and young cattle up to 1 year old in Colombia

A large-scale cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted to evaluate prevalence, species diversity, and associated risk factors of Eimeria infections in 55 cattle farms across seven states of Colombia, including subtropical and tropical regions. In total, 1333 fecal samples from young animals (< 1 year of age) were examined at a single sampling date from August 2016 to December 2016. Flotation and McMaster techniques were conducted for parasitological investigation. Excreted Eimeria oocysts were allowed to sporulate in vitro and thereafter identified to species level based on morphological and morphometric characteristics. The overall Eimeria prevalence was 75.5% (1006/1333), with no difference observed between age categories. In total, 13 different Eimeria species were identified. The most prevalent species was E. bovis (33.5%), followed by E. auburnensis (12.5%) and E. zuernii (11.9%). Analysis of extrinsic associated risk factors revealed the floor type, feeding system, watering system, and herd size as significant (p < 0.05) risk factors for Eimeria spp. infections. Based on these data, it can be assumed that bovine coccidiosis infections occur ubiquitously in the country and might play an important role especially in its subclinical form by affecting production parameters in conventional cattle management systems.

Gastrointestinal parasite infestation in the alpine mountain hare (Lepus timidus varronis): Are abiotic environmental factors such as elevation, temperature and precipitation affecting prevalence of parasite species?

Information concerning factors regulating Alpine mountain hare (Lepus timidus varronis) populations such as host-parasite interactions is missing as only a few parasitological surveys exist of this subspecies. Parasites are not only dependent on their host but also on suitable environmental conditions for infestation. Abiotic environmental factors have an important regulating role on parasites in mammals. It is estimated that the elevation range of parasites is likely to shift in response to alternate host movement and changes in climate. Here we assess the parasitic infestation in the Alpine mountain hare by analysing the parasites in faeces and comparing the parasite infestation at different elevation ranges and at varied weather conditions for two years in the Austrian Alps. Almost half of the faecal samples were free of parasites (46.2%, n = 52). Most frequent was the infection by Coccidia (46.2%), whereas stomach intestine strongylids, Trichuris spp, and Cestoda were only found in 9.6% of all faeces. Hence, only Coccidia may be prevalent enough to regulate Alpine mountain hare populations in the Austrian Alps. Elevation had a significant positive effect on the infection of animals by Trichuris spp, whereas temperature had a significant negative effect on the infection by any parasite traceable in faeces and, when looking at the parasite groups individually, on Coccidia.

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Almost half of the Alpine mountain hare faecal samples were free of parasites.

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Coccidia was more frequent in our hare faeces than in other examined populations.

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Stomach intestine strongylids and Cestoda were only found in 9.6% of our samples.

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Only Coccidia may be prevalent enough to regulate this hare population.

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Temperature had a significant negative effect on the incidence of any parasite in the faecal samples.

Bovine coccidiosis cases of beef and dairy cattle in Indonesia

The number of bovine coccidiosis cases is generally high and distributed worldwide. It can reach up to 100% in the early weeks of age in calves and has a corresponding impact on further cattle development and the economic outcome. For these reasons, this study was conducted to detect the presence of Eimeria spp. oocysts followed by morphologically species characterization in different breeds of beef and dairy cattle. These breeds were reared by rural farmers in 9 provinces in Indonesia from March to October 2017. A total of 2150 fecal samples were collected, along with farmer knowledge about coccidiosis through interviews. Results show that prevalence varied as indicated by the following regions: Riau (68.73%), South Sumatera (78.34%), Banten (63.73%), Special Region of Yogyakarta (54.69%), East Java (63.89%), Bali (83.34%), West Nusa Tenggara (78.43%), Central Kalimantan (72.46%), and South Sulawesi (85.07%). The overall prevalence of bovine coccidiosis in all provinces sampled was 72.07%. Eight species of Eimeria spp. were identified, namely, E. auburnensis (52.11%), E. bovis (81.89%), E. bukidnonensis (18.44%), E. canadensis (38.22%), E. cylindrica (31.67%), E. zuernii (60%), E. ellipsoidalis (10.11%), and E. alabamensis (11.67%). The highest prevalence was found in E. bovis compared with any other Eimerias (P ≤ .0001) followed by E. zuernii. Most of the interviewed farmers in this study did not know about coccidia, especially Eimeria spp. in cattle. They were more familiar with worm infections because of both their experience and knowledge. The distribution of cattle with ages <6 months, 6-18 months, and >18 months exhibited 97%, 81%, and 38% infection, respectively. Based on these results, the authors saw the necessity to inform farmers about bovine coccidiosis as well as the veterinarian regarding better preventive and curative treatments.

Gastro-intestinal parasite infections of Ankole cattle in an unhealthy landscape: An assessment of ecological predictors

The distribution of gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites across landscapes is closely related to the spatial distribution of hosts. In GI parasites with environmental life stages, the vitality of parasites is also affected by ecological and landscape-related components of the environment. This is particularly relevant for domestic livestock species that are often kept across habitats with varying degrees of degradation, exposing them to a wide range of environmentally robust parasite species. In our study, we examined the effect of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the prevalence and intensity of GI parasites across a free-ranging stock of Ankole cattle in the Mutara rangelands of northeastern Rwanda. Prevalence and intensity of each parasite type (i.e., strongyle-type nematodes, Strongyloides spp., Moniezia spp., and Eimeria spp.) were used as dependent variables. Two fixed factors related to season and conservation-political history, together with three principal components (condensed from nine ecological variables) were used as independent covariates in a univariate General Linear Model (GLM). Major effects on the prevalence and intensity of strongyle-type nematodes and on the intensity of Eimeria spp. were found in that vegetation-related effects such as above-ground grass biomass in conjunction with a high degree of soil compaction had a negative relationship with these parasite types. These unexpected findings suggest that strongyle-type and coccidian infections increase with increasing rangeland degradation. Strongyle-type nematode prevalence and intensity were also negatively related to goat/sheep density, indicating a 'dilution effect' of GI infections between domestic livestock species.