Distribution and clinical symptoms of dictyocaulosis in cattle in the Altai Region

Abstract

The Altai Region has a large population of sheep, goats, cattle, horses, pigs, and poultry. There are many commercial hunting animals bred in captivity (maral deer, sika deer, and caged fur-bearing animals). There are many poultry and fish farms. There are a number of reasons hindering the production of this area of the national economy. Since the epizootology of dictyocaulosis in cattle in the Altai Region over the past 20 years is understudied, our research goal was to study the spread of this disease, to determine the prevalence and intensity of invasion in various natural and climatic zones. In various natural and climatic zones of the region, we examined 270 fecal samples from young cattle for dictyocaulosis using the Baermann test. Complete helminthological autopsy was used to examine 36 lung sets. Lungs taken from fallen animals or compulsorily slaughtered animals directly on farms were examined. The prevalence of invasion was determined by the percentage of infected animals to all examined animals. According to our research findings, dictyocaulosis in cattle was recorded in most administrative districts of all natural and climatic zones of the region. The indices of dictyocaulosis invasion prevalence vary significantly depending on the zone; so in the Kulunda zone it was 3.0%, and in the Ob River zone - 48.0%. The same indices are also observed at complete helminthological autopsy. Based on the literature data and our research findings, the conclusions on some general principles of the epizootology of dictyocaulosis in cattle may be made. This issue is extremely important both for the correct understanding and evaluation of the epizootological situation on each farm, and for the most rational organization and implementation of anti- dictyocaulosis measures.