Occurrence of Eimeria spp. in neonatal calves in Chittagong metropolitan area

Abstract

Calf diarrhea is a major problem in cattle farming in Bangladesh where coccidiosis is common phenomenon. The specific objective of the present study was to determine the prevalence of coccidia infection in neonatal calves as well as to assess the risk factors associated with the infection. During the study, fecal samples were collected from 130 calves (less than 45 days of age) from a total of 39 dairy and beef farms located in Chittagong Metropolitan Area and Patiya Upazila of Chittagong. The study was conducted during June, 2015 to December, 2015. The prevalence of Eimeria spp. was found 20.77% in diarrheaic calves in the study area. 26% and 27% prevalence of Eimeria spp. was found considering age in calves between 2-4 weeks and > 4 weeks, respectively. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors associated with Eimeria spp. infection. In univariable logistic regression analysis, 5 variables (age, flooring of calving pen, source of drinking water, fecal consistency and dehydration test) showed significant (P-value <0.2) association with the prevalence of Eimeria spp. In multivariable analysis, age and fecal consistency were found significantly (P-value <0.05) associated with presence of Eimeria spp. Calves with more than 4 weeks of age and calves with 2 to 4 weeks of age had odds ratio of 9.03 and 6.58, respectively compared to calves with less than 2 weeks of age. Calves with liquid (OR=4.5) and semi-solid (OR=1.4) fecal consistency had higher chance to get the infection compared to calves with solid feces. The results of the present study identified the risk factors associated with occurrence of Eimeria spp. causing diarrhea in neonatal calves will be helpful for developing suitable targeted control program in the study area.