Seasonal and monthly prevalence pattern of fasciolosis in buffaloes and its relation to some climatic factors in northeastern areas of Punjab, Pakistan

A study was conducted in the northeastern areas of Punjab province (Pakistan) to analyse the monthly and seasonal pattern of fasciolosis in buffaloes and its relation to some climatic factors (temperature, humidity, rainfall and pan-evaporation) was also worked out. The faecal samples of buffaloes were collected from April 2003 to March 2005 on a monthly basis from randomly selected areas and analysed for the presence of Fasciola egg. From 7200 samples, 1058 (14.69%) were found positive. Seasonal data showed the highest prevalence and egg count (EPG) in autumn and the lowest in spring. Monthly results showed the highest prevalence in September (32.33%) and the lowest in May (4.83%), while mean EPG was highest in October (567 ± 95.5) and the lowest in June (3.2 ± 0.48). Statistically, significant difference (P<0.05) was noted within seasonal and monthly prevalences. Impact of humidity was found significant (P<0.05) on disease as compared to other climatic factors.