EPIDEMIOLOGICAL AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF PARAMPHISTOMUM CERVI IN CATTLE IN BABYLON PROVINCE

Abstract

The aim of this study was to estimate the rate of infection with Paramphistomum in the digestive tract of cows. A total of 268 slaughter cows were examined in Al-Hilla Abattoir from 1 March to the end of November 2009. The rate of infection was 3.73% and the highest rate of infection was at summer months (6.45%) while lower infection rate was shown at Autumn (1. 2%).Rate of infection in calves at age less than 2 years reached 3.44% and in cows at age between 2-4 years reached 4.23 %. Lower percentage at age more than 4 years was reported (3.17%) Males cows recorded rate of infection with Paramphistomum 4.76% and in females cows reached 2.47%, while the infection rate in hybrid cows was more than the local cows (4.87% and 2.75% respectively).Pathological changes at necropsy finding showed slight changes with high numbers of parasites in the lumen of rumen attached to the mucosa of rumen at the keratinized layer. In addition, changes were noted at microscopical examination, which were characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells in lamina propria for the mucosa and there was dilation of blood vessels. No changes observed in duodenum and jejunum with no presence for immature parasite which gave an indication that most of the infection was with the mature stage.