A survey on endoparasitic conditions in imported fattening cattle

摘要

Our data corroborate the presence, with high prevalence, of gastro-intestinal Strongylids in cattle coming from foreign pastures. The consulted bibliography from 1972 to 2003 underlines that these parasites are always present in imported cattle. In agreement with Battelli G et al. (1989 Progresso Veterinario, 2:65-66), it can be stated that no improvement has occurred of the sanitary state of imported cattle, at least regarding gastro-intestinal Strongylids. The prevalence of coccidia, on the contrary, is higher than reported by the literature from 1988 to 2003, thus confirming the trend of these parasites to increase. It may be desirable to assess the economic advantages of mass-treatments and/or environmental hygiene measures, as Eimeria spp. canfind conditions favourable to its development in intensive farming (Lanfranchi P et al. 1988 Atti SISVET, 42: 941-943; Genchi C, 1985 O&DV, 11:19,22). Over the last years, the prevalence of F. hepatica in imported calves seems to be on the decrease, as confirmed by many bibliographic data. Finally, the risk cannot be underestimated of importing, together with animals, some parasites (sometimes scarcely pathogenic) not present on our territory (e. g. Capillaria bovis), yet often able to cause heavy infections, as is the case with some gastro-intestinal Strongylids.