PREVALENCE OF VETERINARY ECTOPARASITES IN BARURA, CHANDINA AND LAKSAM UPAZILAS OF CUMILLA DISTRICT, BANGLADESH

Studies on the prevalence of veterinary ectoparasitic insects and arachnids of cattle and goats in three upazila of Cumilla district was conducted for one year during December 2013 to November 2014. Three upazila of Cumilla district were Barura, Chandina and Laksam selected for the study. Total 742 animals (cattle 463 and goats 279) were examined; among them 564 animals (353 cattle and 211 goats) were found infested by several species of ectoparasites (e.g., lice, flies, fleas, ticks and so on). Veterinary animals (cattle and goats) in Barura upazila showed the highest prevalence of ectoparasitic infestation (81.43%) and in Chandina upazila showed the lowest prevalence (56.42%). The intensity of ectoparasites infestation was the highest in Chandina (9.08) and the lowest was in Laksam upazila (7.78). Cattle in Barura upazila showed the highest prevalence (80.86%) and intensity (12.11) and in Chandina upazila showed the lowest prevalence (57.96%) and Laksam showed the lowest intensity (9.08). Goats in Barura upazila showed the highest prevalence (82.10%) and the lowest intensity (5.56) and in Chandina upazila showed the lowest prevalence (51.73%) and the highest intensity (5.56). The present study quantifies the level of ectoparasitic infestation in cattle and goats which demands immediate research on intensive epidemiological study, detail identification and management to improve and maintain animal health and production. In addition, studies are needed to estimate the economic losses caused by these ectoparasites.