EPIDEMIOLOGY & CHEMOTHERAPY OF FASCIOLIASIS IN BUFFALOES

SUMMARY The epidemiology and chemotherapy of fascioliasis in buffaloes was studied. The epidemiological studies were undertaken in slaughtered and clinically affected buffaloes. The infection rate was 14.6 and 16.04% in slaughtered and clinically affected buffaloes. In slaughtered animals two seasonal peaks were recorded in the months of September and February (25.4% and 24.2%) while the lowest (1.35) being recorded in the month of May. In clinically affected buffaloes, the highest infection rate was recorded in February and October (29.16 30%) while lowest incidence was recorded in June (1.79%). The higher incidence of fascioliasis was recorded in adult buffaloes (20.9%) than youngsters (13.4%) and non lactating (18.29%) than lactating buffaloes (12.70%). The results of therapeutic trials by using triclabendazole and oxyclozanide indicated that both these compounds were equally effective in the treatment of fascioliasis.