Ecto and Endo-parasites of cattle. (IFS 2020/8 Marks)

Introduction

Cattle are commonly affected by a variety of parasites, both ectoparasites and endoparasites. These parasites can have a significant impact on the health and productivity of cattle, leading to economic losses for farmers.

Ecto-parasites of Cattle

• Ticks
  
  • Ticks are arachnids that attach to the skin of cattle and feed on their blood.
  • Example: The Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick, which is known for transmitting bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis.
  • Impact: Heavy tick infestations can cause anemia, reduced weight gain, and transmit diseases.
• Lice
  
  • Small, wingless insects that can be classified into biting (Mallophaga) and sucking lice (Anoplura).
  • Example: The cattle biting louse (Bovicola bovis) feeds on skin debris, while the cattle sucking louse (Haematopinus eurysternus) feeds on blood.
  • Impact: Infestations can lead to skin irritation, hair loss, and weight loss in cattle.
• Mites
  
  • Tiny arachnids that burrow into or live on the skin, causing mange.
  • Example: Sarcoptes scabiei var. bovis, which causes sarcoptic mange, leading to severe itching and scab formation.
  • Impact: Mite infestations can cause severe skin damage, irritation, and secondary infections.
• Fleas
  
  • Wingless insects that feed on the blood of cattle, usually not as common as ticks or lice.
  • Example: Ctenocephalides spp., known to infest a variety of animals, including cattle.
  • Impact: Flea bites cause irritation and can also act as vectors for bacterial and viral diseases.
• Flies (Myiasis)
  
  • Certain fly species lay eggs on the skin of cattle, and the hatched larvae feed on the host’s tissues.
  • Example: The common cattle grub (Hypoderma lineatum) causes significant damage as larvae migrate through tissues.
  • Impact: Myiasis can lead to pain, irritation, and damage to hides and meat.
• Stable Flies
  
  • Blood-feeding flies that cause annoyance and stress to cattle.
  • Example: Stomoxys calcitrans, which bites cattle and feeds on their blood.
  • Impact: Chronic infestations can result in reduced milk production and weight loss.

Endo-parasites of Cattle

• Roundworms (Nematodes)
  
  • Worms that infest the gastrointestinal tract, causing a range of issues from mild digestive upset to severe weight loss.
  • Example: Haemonchus contortus, also known as the barber’s pole worm, causes anemia and hypoproteinemia.
  • Impact: Infected cattle may exhibit poor growth, reduced milk production, and in severe cases, death.
• Liver Flukes (Trematodes)
  
  • Parasitic flatworms that inhabit the liver and bile ducts.
  • Example: Fasciola hepatica, commonly known as the liver fluke, causes liver damage and significant economic losses.
  • Impact: Infections can lead to chronic liver disease, reduced weight gain, and decreased reproductive performance.
• Tapeworms (Cestodes)
  
  • Flatworms that attach to the intestinal wall and absorb nutrients from the host.
  • Example: Moniezia spp., a tapeworm found in the intestines of cattle, causes digestive disturbances and reduced nutrient absorption.
  • Impact: Heavy infestations can lead to reduced growth rates and nutritional deficiencies.
• Lungworms
  
  • Parasitic worms that live in the respiratory tract of cattle, causing lung damage and respiratory distress.
  • Example: Dictyocaulus viviparus, the most common lungworm in cattle, causes parasitic bronchitis.
  • Impact: Infected cattle may develop coughing, labored breathing, and reduced weight gain.
• Coccidia (Protozoa)
  
  • Microscopic parasites that infect the intestinal cells of cattle, leading to coccidiosis.
  • Example: Eimeria spp., which can cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in young calves.
  • Impact: Coccidiosis outbreaks can lead to high morbidity rates and economic losses in cattle farming.
• Cryptosporidium (Protozoa)
  
  • Another protozoan parasite that infects the intestinal lining, causing diarrhea.
  • Example: Cryptosporidium parvum, which is particularly harmful to calves.
  • Impact: It leads to significant fluid loss and weakness in young animals, impacting overall health and growth.
• Toxocara (Nematodes)
  
  • Intestinal roundworms that affect the digestive system of cattle.
  • Example: Toxocara vitulorum, mainly infects young calves, causing malnutrition and intestinal blockages.
  • Impact: Can lead to poor weight gain, stunted growth, and severe digestive distress.

Conclusion

The presence of ecto and endo-parasites in cattle can have detrimental effects on their health and productivity. It is important for farmers to implement effective parasite control measures, such as regular deworming and use of acaricides, to prevent infestations and minimize the impact of parasites on cattle.