Prevalence and spectrum of helminths in free-ranging African buffaloes(Syncerus caffer)in wildlife protected areas,Tanzania

Objective:To determine the prevalence and spectrum of helminths in free-ranging African buffaloes in Tanzania by a cross-sectional study.Methods:Faecal samples(n=123)from Arusha National Park and Ngorongoro Crater were examined for helminth eggs using sedimentation and floatation techniques during the period of March to June 2012.Results:Coprological examination revealed that 34.1%(n=42)of the buffaloes excreted nematodes and trematodes eggs and protozoan oocyst in their faces.The pattern of infection was either single or mixed.Single(52.4%)and concurrent infections with two,three,four and five parasites were recorded in 19.0%,11.9%,14.3%and 2.3%respectively of the cases.The nematode eggs encountered were those of Trichostrongylus sp.(20.3%),Oesophagostomum sp.(7.3%),Strongyle sp.(4.1%),Bunostomum sp.(4.1%),Ostertegia sp.(3.3%)and Toxocara sp.(2.4%).The trematode eggs encountered were those of Fasciola sp.(9.8%),Paramphistomum sp.(4.9%),Gastrothylax sp.(1.6%),Ornithobilharzia sp.(0.81%)and Fischoederius sp(0.81%).The protozoan oocyst recorded was that of Eimeria sp.(8.1%).Geographical location of buffaloes had significant influence on the prevalence of infection with Trichostrongylus(P=0.046)and Fasciola(P=0.001),and the mean prevalances in Arusha National Park are significantly higher than those in Ngorongoro Crater.Age had significant influence on infection with Fasciola(P=0.036),and juvenile recorded higher levels of infection than sub-adults.Health status,body condition score and sex-wise prevalence of helminths were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:This study indicates that helminths species are numerous and highly prevalent in the two protected areas and may be one of the contributing factors to lower buffalo productivity.