Point prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in double purpose cattle of Rio de Oro and Aguachica municipalities, Cesar state, Colombia

Gastrointestinal parasites are one of the most important health problems in cattle worldwide, as they cause economic losses in the herds. Twenty - seven double purpose herds were visited to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in cattle at the Rio de Oro and Aguachica municipalities. Overall, 862 fecal samples were collected in three age groups: < 12 months, 12-24 months and > 24 months. Stool samples were taken directly from the rectum and refrigerated until processing. For parasite determination, fecal samples were processed using coprological techniques. The parasitic genera were identified by egg or infective larval morphology. The global prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 83.2%, being the highest values for Eimeria sp. (77.9%), Strongyloides sp. (10.8%) and Haemonchus sp. (8.5%). Regarding the prevalence by municipalities, there was no statistical association (P > 0.05) indicating that the prevalence was similar in the two municipalities. Regarding the results for Eimeria sp., different degrees of positivity were observed, reflecting that there was statistical association (P < 0.05) with respect to the age group, suggesting that adult animals may act as infection source for calves. Likewise, there was statistical association (P < 0.05) between the prevalence for Strongyloides sp., Haemonchus sp. and Trichostrongylus sp. with respect to the age group. It is concluded that there is a high prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in dual-purpose cattle in the municipalities under study, and that it could be controlled by improving the hygienic conditions of the herds, and informing the farmer about parasite control programs.