Incidence and Risk Factors of Toxocara vitulorum Infection in Beef Cattle of Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Toxocara vitulorum (T. vitulorum), an Ascarid nematode, infects the small intestine of cattle and buffalo, particularly in newborn calves. The present study aimed to identify the occurrence of T. vitulorum collected from cattle in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and to examine the surface structure of its eggs by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The present study did not observe asymptomatic clinical signs of toxocariasis, including diarrhoea and weight loss. Fecal samples were collected from 247 cattle of various breeds, consisting of 65 males and 182 females across three regions including Bantul (78 cattle), Sleman (63 cattle), and Kulon Progo (106 cattle). Qualitative and quantitative methods, including flotation and modified McMaster methods, were respectively employed to analyze nematode egg counts. SEM was utilized to characterize the surface morphology of T. vitulorum nematodes. A total of 9 cattle were found to excrete T. vitulorum eggs in their feces (3.64%). The average fecal egg count was 2.861 eggs per gram (EPG), with positive cases observed exclusively in female cattle. The risk factors influencing toxocariasis in this study were breeds and frequency of cleaning the stall. A higher odd ratio of T. vitulorum infection was found in mixed Ongole breeds than in Limousin or Simmental breeds. Moreover, cattle housed in rarely cleaned stalls showed a higher odd ratio than those in regularly cleaned ones. Factors such as age, fecal consistency, and population density factor showed no significant association with toxocariasis. The SEM analysis of T. vitulorum eggs revealed an oval shape with distinct surface ornamentations, including interlocking ridges and depressions. The cage cleanliness and cattle breed were the most common risk factors associated with infected cattle.