Parasitic Control in Dairy Buffaloes

Buffalo is main dairy animal of Pakistan. The high prevalence of parasitic infections in buffaloes cause reduced milk production and along with that causes allergic reactions, retarded growth, low weight gain, dullness, irritation hair loss and anemic conditions in dairy buffaloes. The dairy buffalo is encountered with both the internal and external parasites. The young calves cannot withstand the parasitic load and may die after attack of parasites and in untreated cases the parasites may cause huge economic losses in young and adult dairy buffaloes. The losses due to parasitic infections are high in developing countries including Pakistan and an effective parasitic control program is necessary for preventing economic losses in buffaloes due to parasitism. The lack of knowledge of parasitic control at farmers’ level is the basic issue of parasitic control program. The open grazing pattern and intensive management of buffaloes within the urban population are also the risk factors for high incidence and prevalence of parasitic infections. The parasitism can be controlled in buffaloes through providing balanced ration, hygienic environment, minimizing load of parasites, timely de-worming, good management practices, minimizing stress on buffaloes and making the environment of dairy buffaloes dry and clean.