Identification and Prevalence of Paramphistomum Cervi : Identification and Prevalence of Paramphistomum cervi in Naturally Infected Water Buffalos of Central Punjab

Livestock is an important component of agriculture sector of Pakistan and contributing significantly in its national economy. However, gastrointestinal trematodes parasite especially Paramphistomum cervi is accountable for health hazards in buffalo of central Punjab. In this study prevalence and identification of Paramphistomum cervi was carried out by visiting local abattoirs of Rawalpindi-Islamabad. A total of 289 rumens and reticulum of buffaloes was examined for the presence of Paramphistomum cervi. The trematodes were preserved in 70% alcohol for identification based on its morphological characteristics. The results of present study revealed that out of 17.3 percent Paramphistomum cervi infection was recorded in central Punjab. The correlation between worm burden and area was found to be non-significant (p > 0.05) indicating the presence of trematode in all districts of study area.There are several factors contributing in the survival and development of P. cervi in central Punjab including the availability of fresh water snails serving as intermediate host, existence of extensive water channel system and poor grazing management of animals being practices in these areas.