Diagnostic and Therapeutic Outcomes of Nasal Schistosomiasis in Cattle

Background: Nasal schistosomosis caused by the blood fluke, Schistosoma nasale, is a snail-borne disease which is prevalent among the bovine populations of many Indian states. In cattle, this disease is characterised by severe respiratory distress due to granulomatous growth obstructing the nasal meatus. The primary pathogenic agent of the snoring disease is the boomerang-shaped ova of S.nasale, which completes its lifecycle through intermediate hosts. The main mode of transmission of infection occurs by percutaneous penetration of cercaria of S. nasale from the intermediate host Indoplanorbis exustus snail, to the cattle, while grazing near water bodies. Aim: The present study was undertaken to identify the actual status of nasal schistosomiasis among the white and Non-Descript (ND) cattle within the age group of 3 to 8 years. Methods: A total of 12 cattle were presented at Veterinary clinical complex, Rajendranagar, during the period of 2 yrs (2022-2024), with distinct clinical signs of rhinitis, snoring, granuloma around and inside the nostrils, bilateral purulent nasal discharges, difficulty in breathing and anorexia. Each cattle with similar symptoms were subjected to thorough physical and clinical examinations, with fecal examination and nasal smears to assess the infection with accuracy. Findings: Physical examination revealed cauliflower-like granulomatous growth in and around the nasal cavity was observed, with distinct inspiratory dyspnoea and snoring sounds. Parasitic eggs of Schistosoma nasale were recorded on nasal smear examination, confirming the presence of the disease. Therapeutic management was initiated with lithium antimony tartarate and Oxyclozanide antihelminthic drug, proven to be a safe and result-yielding drug of choice for the treatment of nasal schistosomiasis. Among the 12 affected cattle, 2 succumbed to its deteriorating respiratory issues, while the others showed slow and gradual recovery, with complete recovery after 2 weeks of rigorous treatment. Conclusion: Nasal schistosomiasis in cattle is a primary public health concern as it limits the productivity and is a source of morbidity in cattle, leading to major economic losses in production farms. This study emphasizes on the initial and most common symptoms, with diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, to create awareness among the cattle owners, so they may recognize and seek prompt medical care for immediate treatment, management and even complete cure.