Epidemiology of Paramphistomiasis in buffaloes under different managemental conditions at four districts of Punjab province, Pakistan

Epidemiological studies were undertaken at slaughter-houses, livestock farms, veterinary hospitals and on household buffaloes under climatic conditions of four different districts of Punjab province. Infection rate was 22.29, 28.33, 17.08 and 12.75%, respectively in slaughter-house buffaloes, livestock farm buffaloes, veterinary hospital buffaloes and household buffaloes. Overall the season wise the highest prevalence (28.33%) was recorded in buffaloes at livestock farms followed by slaughtered (22.29%) and veterinary hospital buffaloes (17.08%). While the lowest (12.75%) prevalence was recorded in household buffaloes during spring. It was also observed that the higher infection rate was recorded in younger buffaloes (below two years of age) than older (above two years of age) where as sex wise the prevalence indicated that male buffaloes were more commonly affected than females. Snails belonging to genera Bulinus, Lymnaea and Planorhis were also observed which are responsible for the transmission of paramphistomiasis.