Prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum in north-central Florida beef calves

A pilot study

Authors

  • K. Herron Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • O. Rae Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
  • H. Walden Department of Infectious Disease and Pathology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol47no2p134-136

Keywords:

bovine, calves, toxocara, nematode, animal parasitic nematodes, beef cattle, disease prevalence, faecal egg count, faecal examination, helminths, parasites, subtropics, helminthoses, parasitoses, nematode infections

Abstract

A pilot study was conducted to determine the presence of Toxocara vitulorum in beef calves (Bos taurus) in north-central Florida. T. vitulorum is a nematode found in subtropical climates and considered to be rare in the United States. This parasite is thought to be endemic among water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), and 1 small herd located in central Florida was included in the study. A Sheather's centrifugal flotation procedure to detect parasite ova was performed on all fecal samples collected (n=463). Beef calves sampled were less than 9 months of age, and all parasite ova observed in the flotation were noted. Although T. vitulorum was not found in any samples, many other parasite ova were present. Results of this study suggest that T. vitulorum is still rarely detected in north-central Florida.

Cover image of Volume 47, No.2 of the Bovine Practitioner: a photo of a Red and White Holstein centered in the frame, bending down slightly to sniff at the photographer. In the background you can see a few other cows and the edge of a forest.

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Published

2013-06-01

Issue

Vol. 47, No. 2 (2013 Summer)

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Prevalence of Toxocara vitulorum in north-central Florida beef calves: A pilot study. (2013). The Bovine Practitioner, 47(2), 134-136. https://doi.org/10.21423/bovine-vol47no2p134-136

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