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EPIDEMIOLOGY OF HELMINTH INFESTATION OF BEEF CATTLE IN CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Author(s) -
Winks R.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
australian veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.382
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1751-0813
pISSN - 0005-0423
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-0813.1968.tb14407.x
Subject(s) - helminths , infestation , biology , veterinary medicine , epidemiology , beef cattle , crop , immunity , larva , cattle diseases , helminthiasis , zoology , agronomy , medicine , immunology , ecology , immune system
Summary The results of epidemiological studies of helminths in young beef cattle in Central Queensland over a 2½‐year period commencing in January 1964 are reported. Studies were made on ten beef cattle properties, which have a total annual calf crop of approximately 2500 calves. Twenty‐five faecal samples were collected monthly at random from 30 to 40 permanently identified calves on each property, to determine the types and intensity of helminth infections. Although rainfall was well below average, infections with most of the helminth species commonly found in Queensland were detected. Increases in infection levels occurred, after rainfall of two inches or more, in animals up to 21 months of age. Only on a property where pastures were irrigated and the stocking rate was higher than normal for the area did a high percentage of calves show clinical symptoms of parasitic gastroenteritis. Haemonchus placet and Oesophagostomum radiatum were the predominant species. An immunity developed to O. radiatum during the first 12 to 15 months of the calf's life. The immunity to H. placet was variable with some animals susceptible to re‐infection up to 21 months of age. Recommendations for the control of helminths in beef cattle in this area are given.