Serological Prevalence of Fasciola gigantica in Mithun (Bos frontalis)

Abstract

Present study was conducted to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in Mithun in different rearing conditions. The serum samples were collected from different geographical locations of Nagaland and Mizoram in free range conditions of rearing and from institute farm, serum sample were collected in semi intensive conditions. In the present study, no ova of Fasciola gigantica were recovered on faecal examination but attempts were made for studying the sero-prevalence of this parasitic infection in mithun. Seroprevalence of fasciolosis in mithun was recorded in free range conditions as well as in semi intensive conditions. Out of 156 animals tested, sera of 30 animals were found to be reactive in ELISA which yielded a percentage of 19.23%. Out of this 25.84% were recorded from free range conditions and 10.44% were recorded from semi intensive conditions. The lower prevalence in semi-intensive system may be due to the practice of regular deworming and better system of management. However, in free range condition, there is open access to metacercariae in natural grazing area of forest. The peculiar geography of north eastern hilly region and climatic conditions are mainly responsible for low prevalence of this infection in this region.