Gastrointestinal helminths are responsible for wide range of health problems, economic losses in camels and are characterized by impaired milk and meat production, decreased working efficiency and even death of the camel. Gastrointestinal nematodes cause losses through morbidity, decreased feed intake, poor efficiency of nutrient and reduced growth.
To study the gastrointestinal helminths 384 camels of different age, sex and breed were examined coprologically. For this, five gram of fresh faecal sample was carefully collected into a sealed container from each camel and was transported to Disease Diagnostic laboratory Muzaffargarh. Where direct faecal smear method was performed in order to verify positivity of faecal sample. Positive sample was preserved in 10% formalin and transferred to Medicine lab, UVAS, Lahore for further procedure. Faecal samples were scored 1-3 based on the consistency. The individual samples was triturated in saturated salt solution, sieved and examined for helminths eggs by using different techniques i.e. Direct Smear Method, Sedimentation technique and Floatation technique while the eggs count was performed by McMaster technique. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal helminths in the camels was 40.10%. The study showed that there were frequent infections with different species of helminths. Six different species of helminths were identified in camels, they were broadly classified as nematodes (4 species), Trematodes (1 specie) and Cestode (1 specie). Among these helminths nematodes, trematode and cestode order of intensity are 33.07%, 3.38% and 3.64%. In nematodes Haemonchus spp 9.11%, Trichostrongylus spp 5.98%, Trichuris spp (4.16%), Nematodirus spp (2.60%) and mixed (11.19%).
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Among the camel population, overall prevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Moniezia expansa was recorded 3.38% and 3.64%.respectively. The prevalence of helminths in relation to sex was 34.55 % in male and 43.14% in females. However there was no statistical difference between the prevalence of females and males (P>0.05). Study was also conducted to determine the influence of age on the prevalence of helminths which revealed that there was no statistical significant association (P>0.05) between those groups. Between the age groups prevalence was 45.09% in <5 Year old and 36.79% in >5 year old. The breed wise prevalence in Mareecha and Brella breeds was 42.85 % and 36.78% respectively which was statistically non-significant (P>0.05). For therapeutic trials, a total of 40 camels positive for helminths and having EPG >400 were randomly selected and divided into four groups A-D each group comprising of 10 animals. The dosage of herbal drugs was calculated on the basis of preliminary trials in other species. The camels of group A were orally treated with Artemisia brevifolia (Afsanteen) at dose rate of 10mg/kg BW, while camels of group B were given Mallotus philipinenesis (Kamela) powder at a dose rate of 375mg/kg BW. Camels in group C were treated with Albenzole granules® (Selmore) at a dose rate of 15mg/kg. b.wt. PO once. Camels in group D were serving as positive control (infected-untreated). Efficacy was determined on the reduction of eggs in feces at day 3, 7 and 14 (post-treatment). In current study A.brevifolia (Afsanteen) and M.Phillippinensis gave satisfactory results in the camels affected with helminths. A.brevifolia (Afsanteen) showed a mild to moderate reduction in EPG count from day 3rd to day 14th in camels. Mean EPG values calculated on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 were 670, 570, 385 and 275 respectively. A.brevifolia (Afsanteen) cured 23.88% of the animals on day 3rd of the drug administration while 42.53% and 58.95% animals cured on the day 7th and 14th respectively. M.Phillippinensis showed mild reduction in mean EPG count on 14th day of post-treatment. Mean EPG values calculated on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 were 440, 400, 355 and 310 respectively. M.Phillippinensis also gave good results
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against helminths affected camels. On the day 3rd of the treatment 19.31% of animals cured while 29.54% animals were cured on the 7th day and on 14th day 44.31% animals recovered. Albendazole showed marked dropped in EPG count from Day 3rd to day 14th. Mean EPG values calculated on days 0, 3, 7 and 14 were 560, 195, 95 and 35 respectively. Albendazole efficacy was 31%, 68% and 82% on 3, 7 and 14 days of treatments. Control positive showed consistence increased in EPG count from day 3 to day 14. Data regarding prevalence were measured by non-parametric, chi-square (χ2), while therapeutic trails were analysed by repeated measures one way ANOVA, using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) 20.0, P < 0.05 was considered significant.