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Effectiveness of strategic anthelmintic treatments in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes and Fasciola gigantica in cattle in Iringa region, Tanzania

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Abstract

A longitudinal field trial was conducted to determine the effectiveness of strategic anthelmintic treatments in the control of gastrointestinal (GI) nematodes and Fasciola gigantica in cattle. A total of 167 cattle (6–18 months) from three large-scale dairy farms, four traditional farms and nine small-scale dairy farms were randomly selected. The selected animals on each farm were ear tagged and allocated into three groups based on live weight and treated as follows: Group T4 was treated with albendazole 10% drench at 10 mg/kg four times a year (mid rainy, end of the rain, mid dry and late dry/early rainy season). Group T2 was treated with albendazole 10% drench at 10 mg/kg two times a year (mid rainy and late dry/early rainy season). Group UT remained as untreated control. Faecal, blood and pasture samples were taken every month for 13 months. In addition, individual body weight (BWT) was measured on every sampling date. Results showed that two and four strategic treatments significantly reduced faecal egg counts (FEC) by 49.5% and 62.3% respectively compared to untreated control animals (P < 0.001). Two and four strategic treatments per year significantly reduced the proportion of animals passing Fasciola eggs in faeces by 30.6% and 51.7% (P < 0.001), respectively. Animals treated two and four times a year significantly outgained untreated animals by 14.8 kg and 17.7 kg respectively at the end of the trial (P < 0.05). The management system had a significant effect on packed cell volume and the proportion of animals passing Fasciola eggs in faeces (P < 0.05). The programme of two strategic treatments per year was only effective in controlling GI nematodes. It is concluded that a programme of four strategic treatments per year was effective in controlling GI nematodes and F. gigantica and improved weight gain.

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Acknowledgements

This study was wholly funded by the Danish Council for Development Research (RUF), project No. 91217; this financial support is highly acknowledged. The authors are grateful to farmers, extension officers and District officers in Iringa and Kilolo districts for the high level of cooperation they offered during the study. All members of staff at the Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) in Iringa are highly acknowledged for provision of space and laboratory facilities. Lastly, we acknowledge field and laboratory assistance from Messrs. Msalilwa, L.P., Mwangoka, D., Komba, G., Rehani, A., Manyesela, A., Tukunjoba, D. and Ms. Janet Longo.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Parasitology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, P.O. Box 3019, Morogoro, Tanzania

    J. D. Keyyu & A. A. Kassuku

  2. Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI), P.O. Box 661, Arusha, Tanzania

    J. D. Keyyu

  3. Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Stigbojlen 4, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    N. C. Kyvsgaard

  4. Danish Centre for Experimental Parasitology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Dyrlaegevej 100, DK-1870, Frederiksberg C, Denmark

    J. Monrad

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  1. J. D. Keyyu
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  2. N. C. Kyvsgaard
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  3. J. Monrad
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  4. A. A. Kassuku
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Correspondence to J. D. Keyyu.

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Keyyu, J.D., Kyvsgaard, N.C., Monrad, J. et al. Effectiveness of strategic anthelmintic treatments in the control of gastrointestinal nematodes and Fasciola gigantica in cattle in Iringa region, Tanzania. Trop Anim Health Prod 41, 25–33 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-008-9150-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-008-9150-5

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