Comparative Efficacy Of Anthelmintics Against Fasciola Gigantica And Amphistomes In Naturally Infected Cattle In Kilolo District, Tanzania

This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of albendazole, oxyclozanide, clorsulon, nitroxynil and triclabendazole against Fasciola gigantica or amphistomes in naturally infected Ayrshire cattle at Amani dairy farm in Kilolo district. Forty-six yearling cattle with both F. gigantica and amphistomes were selected and allocated into 7 treatment groups and treated as follows: Group 1 was treated with 1.5% levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) and 3% oxyclozanide (MilsanO, 13 mg/kg) orally. Group 2 was treated with 1.5% levamisole (7.5 mg/kg) and 3% oxyclozanide (LevoxyO, 13 mg/kg) orally. Group 3 was treated orally with albendazole bolus (AlbendaO) at 10mg/kg. Group 4 was treated with 10% albendazole suspension (FarbendaO, 10 mg/kg) orally. Group 5 was treated with 1% ivermectin (200 Wg/kg) and 10% clorsulon (IvomecO-Super, 2 mg/kg) subcutaneously. Group 6 was treated with nitroxynil (TrodaxO 34%) at 10 mg/kg subcutaneously. Group 7 was treated with 10% triclabendazole (FasinexO) at 12 mg/kg orally. Faecal samples for examination of fluke eggs were collected at 2, 6 and 10 weeks after treatment. Results indicated that all animals treated with triclabendazole (FasinexO), nitroxynil (TrodaxO) or clorsulon (IvomecO-Super) had no Fasciola eggs in faeces two weeks after treatment. One to two (14-33%) of animals treated with oxyclozanide (MilsanO and LevoxyO) or albendazole in each group were positive for Fasciola eggs two weeks after treatment. Ten weeks after treatment, all animals treated with triclabendazole, clorsulon or nitroxynil were still negative for Fasciola eggs. Two to three (29-43%) of animals treated with oxyclozanide had amphistome eggs in faeces two weeks after treatment. Triclabendazole, nitroxynil and clorsulon had no effect against amphistomes. The number of animals positive for Fasciola or amphistome eggs increased steadily over time in animals treated with oxyclozanide to reach 43-83% ten weeks after treatment. It is concluded that triclabendazole, nitroxynil and clorsulon were highly effective against F. gigantica. A reduced efficacy of albendazole and oxyclozanide against F. gigantica is suspected. Tanzania Veterinary Journal Vol. 25 (1) 2008: pp. 40-47