Epidemiological and Diagnostic Study for Fasciola gigantica in Cattle by using PCR Technique at Thi-Qar Province

Abstract

The present study includes epidemiological survey for giant liver fluke parasite Fasciola gigantica in immolated cattle in slaughter house of Nasirriya city in Thi-Qar Province. The period of study extends from the beginning August 2008 up to end of July 2009. A total of 1684 cattle were examined with the percentage of whole infection 269 (15.97 %) and intensity of whole infection 8.14. The study records the highest percentage of whole infection for parasite 23.36 % in cattle during January, while it records the low percentage for infection in July 9.90 %. The highest intensity of whole infection is in December 11.45 and their least was in August 2.92 and does not record significant differences in percentage and intensity of infection. . The present study distinguishes percentage and intensity of infection in the liver and gallbladder and demonstrates a rate of liver infection percentage in cattle 15.32 % is higher than rate of gallbladder infection percentage in all the months of the year. It is also found out that the rate of infection intensity in liver 6.02 is less than that in gallbladder (13.83), but the intensity of infection in both liver and gallbladder is different during the months of the same year and is found significant difference in infection intensity of gallbladder. . The age has an influence on the percentage and intensity of infection in cattle. The cattle with an age less than one year records the least percentage of infection 1.78 % and intensity of infection 1.8 while the cattle older than 4 years records the highest percentage and intensity of infection 32.78 % and 10.40 respectively. Significant differences are observed in the percentage of infection for groups aged 3 – 4 years and older than 4 years (P<0.01). . The study proves that the percentage of infection in females of cattle 21.84 % is higher than in the males 3.36 % with significant differences. The Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique used in diagnosis Fasciola gigantica that is isolated from bile duct of cattle infected and is distinguished from F.hepatica.