Ecological and epizootological characteristics of setariosis in cattle on farms in the Altai Territory

Abstract

The purpose of the research is to study the epizootiology and pathomorphology of setariosis in cattle on farms in the Altai Territory.
Materials and methods. To make a diagnosis, blood samples were examined for the presence of microsetaria in calves of the current year of birth.
Results and discussion. Microsetariae were found in cattle in all zones of the Altai Territory based on the results of a study of blood samples. Infection fluctuated between 23.3–31.9% depending on the zone and, on average, amounted to 27.6%. The intensity of infection also ranged from 7.4±0.7 to 9.3±0.8 sp. The highest infection was observed in animals aged 4–7 years (33.3%) with infection intensity of 11.3±1.0 sp./animal. Cattle are infected with Setaria sp. in all seasons with changes in different months. The maximum infection rate was observed in June – up to 40.0%. Single specimens of Setaria sp. larvae in the blood of calves up to one year old were found in December, i.e., 7 months after the start of the grazing period and mosquito activity. Pathomorphological examination revealed that in most cases, dying Setaria sp. in abdominal cavity are attached to the capsules of the liver, spleen and mesentery. To prevent microfilariaemia in cattle and the spread of Setaria sp. infection, we recommend using macrocyclic drugs.