Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminths in Grazing Cattle in Eastern Golestan Province, Iran

Background: In Golestan Province, northern Iran, free-grazing cattle are exposed to gastrointestinal helminths due to extensive pastures and favorable climatic conditions. However, limited data exist on the prevalence of these infections in the region. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during spring and summer on ۳۴۸ free-grazing cattle from rural areas surrounding Kalaleh, Maraveh Tappeh, Galikesh, Gonbad Kavus, and Minoodasht counties. Fresh fecal samples were collected immediately after defecation. Detection of helminth eggs was performed using the Clayton-Lane flotation technique. Results: A total of ۳۴۸ fecal samples were collected from free-grazing cattle across Gonbad Kavus, Minoodasht, Galikesh, Kalaleh, and Maraveh Tappeh in eastern Golestan Province. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections was ۲۳.۶%. Among these, ۲۱% were infected with strongyle-type nematodes. Because of the low intensity of infection (۱+), larval culture and identification of third-stage larvae were not feasible. Additionally, infections with other helminth species were observed as follows: Moniezia expansa: ۱.۵%, Dicrocoelium dendriticum: ۰.۸%, Toxocara vitulorum: ۰.۲۹%. Conclusion: In Golestan Province, free-grazing cattle exhibit a considerable prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections. Despite the low infection intensity, environmental factors and the physiological condition of the animals may contribute to this prevalence. Implementing educational and health programs for livestock owners is recommended to reduce the risk of zoonotic diseases.

کلیدواژه ها:

Cattle ، Free-range grazing ، Gastrointestinal Helminths ، Golestan Province