Comparative efficacy of fenbendazole, ivermectin and oxyclozanide against gastro-intestinal helminths of cattle in North Kashmir

Abstract

The present work was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Fenbendazole, Ivermectin and Oxyclozanide against gastrointestinal (GI) helminths of cattle in Baramulla district of Kashmir valley. A total of sixty six cattle suffering from GI Helminthoses were randomly selected. Among these, the cattle suffering from nematode infection (EPG ≥150) were divided into three groups, each comprising of eighteen animals. First two groups were treated with Fenbendazole and Ivermectin, respectively and the third group was kept as untreated infected control. The twelve animals suffering from only trematode infections (Fasciola spp. or Paramphistomes) were divided into two groups. One group comprising of nine animals were treated with Oxyclozanide and the other group comprising of three animals were kept as untreated infected control. Faecal samples from rectum were directly collected on ‘0’ day before treatment and on 8th and 14th day post treatment, in animals positive for nematode infections and on 8th, 14th and 28th day post treatment, in animals positive for trematode infections. A total of 100 percent reduction in faecal egg counts was observed on day 8th and day 14th post treatment against nematodes and thus the drugs (Fenbendazole as well as Ivermectin) were 100 percent effective against trichostrongylid type of nematodes. A total of 100 percent reduction in Faecal egg counts was observed on day 8th, 14th and 28th post treatment, thereby the efficacy of Oxyclozanide was 100 percent against trematodes (Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomes). Thus, there was no evidence of development of resistance by GI helminths of cattle at Baramulla district of Kashmir valley.