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Ectoparasites of Buffaloes (bubalus Bubalis) in Kurigram District of Bangladesh

M. A. A. Mamun
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

N. Begum
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

H. M. Shahadat
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

M. M. H. Mondal
Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

Epidemiology of ectoparasites of buffaloes was studied in Kurigram district of Bangladesh from November, 2007 to October, 2008. A total of 236 buffaloes were examined, among them 61.86% were found infested with one or more species of ectoparasites. Three species of ectoparasites were identified of which, two species were arachnids, namely, Boophilus microplus (13.98%), Haemaphysalis bispinosa (11.44%) and one species was insect, namely, Haematopinus tuberculatus (51.27%). No mites were detected. Among the ectoparasites, mixed infection was common. In this investigation, prevalence of ectoparasites in relation to age, sex and seasonal dynamics were also studied. Ectoparasitic prevalence was higher (p<0.01) in winter season (80.00%) followed by summer (50.68%) and rainy (39.62%) seasons. Significantly (p<0.01) higher prevalence of ectoparasites were recorded in female animals (85.71%) than in males (56.70%). In the age groups, buffalo calves aged 0.5-2 years (73.68%) were mostly susceptible (p<0.01) to ectoparasites than young aged > 2-5 years (70.73%) and adult animals aged >5 years (58.52%). Overall mean ectoparasitic burden was 2.31±1.31 per square inch of heavily infested area. The highest parasitic burden was recorded in case of H. tuberculatus (3.49±2.29) followed by B. microplus (1.85±0.94) and H. bispinosa (1.59±0.69). It is concluded that, ectoparasites are the common threat to Buffalo rearing in Kurigram district of Bangladesh irrespective of age and sex of the buffaloes and seasons of the year.

Keywords: Ectoparasites, Epidemiology, Buffalo, Kurigram district

Location: Kurigram District

Start Date: 00-11-2007

End Date: 00-10-2008

Program Area: Animal Health and Management

Commodity: Buffalo

Objectives:

The present study was undertaken to examine the status of ectoparasites in buffaloes in kurigram district of Bangladesh.

Methodology:

Bangladesh is a country of sub-tropical monsoon climate, located between latitudes 20⁰34' and 26⁰38'N and between longitudes 88⁰01' and 92⁰41'E. Kurigram District is located in the north-eastern region of Bangladesh along the border of India. Weather of the Kurigram district is different from the middle or southern part of Bangladesh. During summer, temperature is higher and lower in winter than middle or southern part of Bangladesh. The average maximum temperature is about 32-33⁰C when average minimum temperature is about 10-11⁰C. Heavy rainfall is usually observed during the rainy season like other parts of Bangladesh and the average annual rainfall is about 3000 mm. Kurigram is one of the least developed district of Bangladesh, where buffaloes are popularly used for the drought purpose because lack of proper roads for transportation. Ectoparasitological examination: The investigation was carried out during the period from November, 2007 to October, 2008 from different areas (mostly chars and river basins) of Kurigram district. Morphological examination was conducted in the Department of Parasitology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Two hundred and thirty six buffaloes were selected randomly. The age of the buffaloes were 6 months and above. During collection of samples the age, sex, breed, place of farming and season of the year were carefully recorded. The selected buffaloes were thoroughly investigated by close inspection for the detection of ectoparasites and clinical manifestations relevant to ectoparasitic infestation. Ticks and lice were collected from the different parts of the body of the individual buffalo by hand picking. When required, small camel hair brush dipped in ethanol was used for the collection of ticks. The point of attachment was smeared with ethanol. Adequate precautions were taken to preserve the mouth parts and appendages of the ectoparasites during collection. Ticks and lice were preserved in 70% alcohol in clean, well-stopped glass vials and labeled properly. Presumptive identifications were made while preserved in ethyl alcohol under stereoscopic microscope and final identifications were made under compound microscope. For this, collected arthropods were processed for permanent mounting using methods suggested by Cable (1967). Lice were identified following the methods suggested by Herms and James (1961). Ticks were identified as described by Soulsby (1982). Statistical analyses: Statistical analyses were carried out by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) using F test. To compare the prevalence of ectoparasites in both sexes, data were analysed by using paired sample t-test (Mostafa, 1989). Odd ratio was calculated according to the formula given by Schlesselman (1982).

Source of Information: J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 8(1): 61–66, 2010 ISSN 1810-3030

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

The highest parasitic burden was recorded in case of H. tuberculatus (3.49±2.29) followed by B. microplus (1.85±0.94) and H. bispinosa (1.59±0.69). It is concluded that, ectoparasites are the common threat to Buffalo rearing in Kurigram district of Bangladesh irrespective of age and sex of the buffaloes and seasons of the year.

Knowledge Management: Journal