Epidemiological insights into bovine helminthiasis in Upper Egypt: Prevalence, risk factors, and pathological findings

This study examines the prevalence of helminthic infestations, risk factors, and odds ratios in 1 300 cattle, revealing significant patterns in parasite distribution and influencing factors. Overall, 60.3% of cattle were infested with one or more types of parasites, with <i>Moniezia</i> spp. being the most prevalent (46.9%), followed by <i>Fasciola</i> spp. (36.9%), <i>Paramphistomum</i> spp. (26.8%), and <i>Avitellina</i> spp. (10.8%). Among the seasons, winter exhibited the highest infestation rate (66.1%), and calves under one year of age were more commonly infested (64.2%) than older cattle (over three years: 51.1%, OR = 0.584 1). Distinct seasonal and age-related patterns were observed for specific parasites. <i>Fasciola</i> spp. was most prevalent in winter (45.09%) and among the youngest cattle (47.87%), while <i>Paramphistomum</i> spp. and <i>Moniezia</i> spp. showed less variation across seasons. <i>Avitellina</i> spp. had the lowest infestation rates in the spring, and cattle older than three years were affected. Co-infections were common, notably between Fasciola and other parasites, with the highest co-infestation rate observed between <i>Avitellina</i> spp. and <i>Moniezia</i> spp. Analysis of deworming efficacy indicated higher treatment success for <i>Fasciola</i> spp. and <i>Paramphistomum</i> spp., lower odds of response for <i>Avitellina</i> spp., and no significant treatment effect for <i>Moniezia</i> spp. Microscopic and pathological examinations were also conducted. These results demonstrate the necessity of thorough deworming procedures along with targeted parasite control to reduce significant health hazards in cattle populations.