Common gastrointestinal helminths of camels of Pakistan

Studies to ascertain the gastro-intestinal helminths were undertaken in slaughtered and live camels of Lahore and Faisalabad districts of Pakistan. The overall infection rate was 42.66 and 37.33% in slaughtered and live camels. In slaughtered animals, seasonal peak was recorded in the month of November (90%) while lowest prevalence was recorded in the month of May and June (4%). In live animals highest prevalence (78%) was observed in November while zero infection was observed in June. Nematode and cestode infection in slaughtered camels were 34.66 and 8%, respectively. The following species of nematodes were found: Haemonchus longistipes (12.5%), H. contortus (6%), Trichuris ovis (2%), T. Globulosa (1.5%) and Oesophagostomum venulosum (2%). Cestode infection recorded were Moneiza expansa (3.33%) and M. benedini (2%). In live animals nematode and cestode infection was 33.66 and 3.66%, respectively. Specieswise nematode infection recorded was Haemonchus longistipes (10%), Haemonchus contortus (1%), Trichostrongylus spp (6%), Strongyloides spp (1.5%), Oesophagostomum spp (1.5%), Marshallagia spp (1%) and Cooperia spp (1%). Cestode infection was recorded as Moneiza expansa (1.66%) and M. benedini (1%). Chemotherapeutic trials carried out with tetramisole at the rate of 15 mg/Kg body weight proved to be 100% effective against different gastro-intestinal helminths of camels.