Present study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of Toxocariasis in buffalo calves in outskirts of Lahore. For this 5g fecal samples from 369 buffalo calves were collected directly from the rectum to avoid the soil contamination. For this purpose, buffalo calves between 1 to 20 weeks of age were selected. Data regarding each calf and possible associated risk factor was entered in data capture form. The data capture form included information on species, sex, breed, age, physical condition, weaning time, fecal score, feeding, housing and management etc. After collection the fecal samples were immediately transferred to ice box for transportation to Medicine Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore. The fecal samples were analyzed by Direct Smear Method as described by Souls by (1982).
Positive samples for T. vitulorum were further subjected to McMaster Technique for Egg per gram (EPG) count.
A total of twenty-four (n=24) calves which were detected as positive for Toxocara. Vitulorum, were randomly selected and divided into 4 groups i.e. Group A, B, C and D, with each group having six calves. Calves in group A were treated with Albendazole at the dose rate of 10 mg/ kg of body weight via oral route while the calves in group B were given Levamisole at dose rate of 8 mg/kg of body weight orally. The animals in group C were treated with Doramectin at 0.2 mg/ kg of body weight via sub-cutaneous route whereas calves in group D were given Chenopodium album at the dose rate of 2g/kg of body weight. All the treatments were given once. The fecal samples from calves in each group were collected at days 0 (pre-treatment) and then at day 4, 7, 14, and 21 (post-treatment) for EPG count through modified McMaster technique. Efficacy of particular treatment was calculated on the basis of fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT).
Data on prevalence was analyzed using chi square test while Odd Ratio (OR) was determined for association of T. vitulorum with different risk factors. The data on EPG at various days was analyzed through two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 20, at a significance level of 5%.
Out of total 369 buffalo calves, 87 (23.58%). buffalo calves were found to excrete T. vitulorum eggs in their feces. While 212 (76.42 %) buffalo calves were found normal with no fecal egg excretion. 23 calves (26.44 %) with age of 1-4 weeks, 37 calves (42.53 %) with age of 5-10 weeks and 27 calves (31.03 %) were found positive. Percentages of male and female infected calves were 25.79 % and 21.23 % respectively. Number of non-infected calves in healthy and sick animals were 236 (80.55 %) and 54 (71.05 %) respectively. While infected calves in healthy and sick animals were 57 (19.45 %) and 22 (28.95 %). Numbers of sick and healthy mothers of calves were 54 and 315 respectively. 13 calves (24.07%) were infected with T. vitulorum infestation whom mother was sick, while 67 calves (21.27%) were infected with Toxocaravitulorum whom mother was healthy. 77 calves had diarrhea while remaining 292 calves did not have. 28 calves (36.36%) out of 77 (calves suffered from diarrhea) were found as positive for T. vitulorum infestations, while 62 calves (21.23%) out of 292 calves (did not suffer from diarrhea) were infected with T.vitulorum. 280 calves (75.88%) had normal body coat, while 89 calves (24.12%) had abnormal body coat. Number of calves infected with T. vitulorum were 27 (30.34%) and 58 (20.71%), in calves with abnormal and normal body coat respectively.
While after treatment trial it was concluded that Albendazole and Levamisole had effectively reduced the eggs per gram in effected calves. Albendazole eliminate the fecal eggs up to 100 % till day 14. While, Levamisole, Doramectin did the same on day 21. While oral chenopodium album have no significant effect. So it can be concluded that Albendazole can be used in field where there is chances of outbreak of Toxocariasis in calves especially in buffalo calves.