Consequences of Paramphistomosis in dairy cattle - A post-mortem finding

A cross bred Jersey cow of around four years of age from Manjakuppam, Cuddalore district, died suddenly with no observable clinical signs. All organs, on post-mortem examination, excepting rumen, mesentery and rectal wall were found in normal condition. In particular, rumen was found with hundreds of adult paramphistomes and erosive patchy hemorrhagic lesion on its interior wall. The farmers history was that the cow was not medicated with deworming drugs at any of the periods during its survival.

Introduction

Gastrointestinal infection caused by internal parasites have been recognized as one of the most common problems in livestock. Although, cattle are infected by wide range of internal parasites, while considering the mortality and morbidity caused by amphistomes in young stock were observed to be enormous (Lalitha and Anandan, 1986). In their study, Shanila Kumari and Md. Hafeez, 2005, reported that the prevalence of paramphistomosis infecion among cattle in Andhrapradesh was higher (7.1) during rainy season, cattle between the age group 1-3 years (7.6) and in cross bred animals (34.14) as compared to other seasons, age groups and breeds, etc. The present study describes about the consequences caused by paramphistome flukes observed under post-mortem examination of a dead cross bred dairy cattle.

Materials and Methods

Collected samples such as flukes (stomach worms) from rumen, dung samples and ruminal content were screened by microscopical examinations, identifieid and confirmed the etiology.

Post-Mortem Findings

Opening of the carcass of a dead Jersey cow showed normal of all internal organs, excluding rumen, mesentery and rectal wall. Examination of rumen revealed the presence of hundreds of free mature adult paramphistome flukes (stomach worms) in ruminal content. Of which some were found attached with rumen wall. Removal of all ruminal content showed erosive, deep/shallow and extensive patchy hemorrhagic lesion inside half of the rumen wall and hemorrhages and congestion in mesentery and rectal wall.

Results and Conclusion

Microscopical study of dung, ruminal content and smears made from crushing of flukes against the slides, all indicated the presence of eggs of paramphistomes. Based on the lesions, flukes existence and microscopical results, the sudden death of a Jersey cow was attributed to paramphistomosis. Farmers were adviced with the importance of deworming of animals.

References

1. Lalitha C.M., and Anandan R., (1986)-Survey of Amphistome parasites of ruminants -Cheiron, 15(6),202-205

2. Shanila Kumari P., and Md. Hafeez (2005) - Prevalence of Paramphistomosis in cattle in Chittoor district of Andhrpradesh , India- Journal of Parasitic Disesases. Vol. 29(1) pp01-08

Author: SATHIYABAMA KANNAN, Assistant Professor and Head
Veterinary University Training And Research Centre, Cuddalore-1 - Tamil Nadu [Madras] - India

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