Parasites of mithun (Bos frontalis) in North Eastern hilly region of India-A review

Abstract

Parasitism is a common problem for mithun (Bos frontalis) resulting in production losses in terms of meat and milk. Prevalence of ectoparasites infestation including Rhipicephalus microplus, Ambylomma testuidinarium, Ixodes ovatus and I. acutitarsus, has been reported based on taxonomic studies and PCR amplification of conserved gene. Different gastrointestinal helminth like Haemonchus contortus, Mecistocirrus digitatus, Trichostrongylus spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichuris spp s, Thelazia species, Strongyloides papillosus, different amphistomes and Fasciola gigantica were also reported from mithun from India. Among filarial worms, Setaria digitata was recorded from peritoneal cavity of mithun and its molecular confirmation was done based on PCR amplification of marker genes. Tapeworm infestation viz. Moniezia expansa, M. benedeni, hydatid cyst and Cysticercus tenuicollis, were also commonly occurred in mithun. Enteric protozoa like different species of Eimeria, Cryptospordium species, Balantidium coli, has been diagnosed based on morphological identification sporulated oocysts and developmental stages found on faecal examination.. Another obligate intracellular parasites Toxoplasma gondii, was also diagnosed based on ELISA and modified agglutination test. An integrated approach incorporating deworming, good livestock management and optimum feeding management practice coupled with vaccination programme will make successful parasite control programme in near future.