Abstract:
Due to the negative impact of subclinical parasitic infections on production; control of gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism
in cattle is becoming an important management practice. Cryptosporidiosis is a zoonotic disease and there is no
effective therapy. This study examines the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasitism in Badulla district with special
interest on Cryptosporidium spp. and identifies the significance of age, water source and feeding pattern for the
prevalence of Cryptosporidium in cattle. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in faeces from a total of 250
cattle in three age categories was examined. Eggs of gastrointestinal parasites were identified using salt flotation
technique and McMaster method. Larval culture was done to identify the genera of parasites. Oocysts of
Cryptosporidium were demonstrated using the Shearther's sucrose flotation method followed by staining with
modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. In Badulla district the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites and
Cryptosporidium were 57.2% (143/250) and 15.2% (38/250) respectively. Trichostrongylus spp, Haemonchus spp,
Strongyloid spp, Toxocara spp, Trichurisspp, Moniezia spp, Eimeria spp were the common gastrointestinal parasites in
cattle in Badulla district. Prevalence of Cryptosporidium was significantly higher in cattle <6 months (57.9%; 22/4)
compared with 7-12 months and >12 months of age (P <0.05). The highest prevalence of infection (81.5%; 31 /4) was
observed with cattle served with surface water. There was no significant association of prevalence of Cryptosporidium
oocysts with feeding pattern (P >0.05). These findings clearly demonstrate that cattle in Badulla district are more
exposed to the infection.
