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Epidemiology of Paramphistomosis: A Thesis on Prevalence & Risk Factors
Last Updated: August 9, 2025
Author Bio
Dr. Umbreen Javed Khan is a Doctor of Philosophy in Zoology from the University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. Her research focuses on the epidemiology, economic impact, and therapeutic treatment of parasitic diseases in livestock, providing critical insights for veterinary science and agricultural sustainability.
Epidemiology of Paramphistomosis: A Thesis on Prevalence & Risk Factors
What makes a disease flourish in one region but not another? Why are animals more susceptible at certain times of the year, or at certain ages? These questions are the foundation of epidemiology, the science of how diseases spread. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward effective control. For paramphistomosis, a parasitic disease wreaking havoc on cattle and buffaloes, a detailed Ph.D. thesis provides an exceptionally clear epidemiological map.
This post delves into the core data from this research, breaking down the complex epidemiology of paramphistomosis in four major districts of Punjab, Pakistan. We will explore the critical risk factors—from geography and season to animal age and sex—to reveal a comprehensive picture of how this parasite operates in the real world.
Establishing the Baseline: Overall Prevalence
The study began by establishing the overall infection rate across different environments, providing a snapshot of the problem’s scale. The “epidemiological study was undertaken at slaughter houses, livestock farms, veterinary hospitals and on household buffaloes and cattle under climatic conditions at four different districts of Punjab province” (p. 1).
The results showed a widespread issue, particularly in buffaloes:
- Overall Buffalo Infection: The infection rates were found to be “22.29%, 28.33%, 17.08% and 12.75% in buffaloes” across slaughterhouses, farms, hospitals, and households, respectively (p. 1).
- Overall Cattle Infection: In cattle, the rates were lower but still significant, at “7.8%, 12.33%, 7.17% and 4.25% in cattle in slaughter houses, livestock farms, veterinary hospitals and household” respectively (p. 1).
These numbers confirm that paramphistomosis is not a rare occurrence but an endemic problem affecting animals across all types of management systems.
Geographical Hotspots: A District-Wise Breakdown
The research revealed that where an animal lives is a major risk factor. The study focused on four key districts: Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Lahore, and Kasur.
- The “Overall prevalence of paramphistomosis in slaughtered buffaloes in different districts of Punjab province indicated that the infection was highest at Gujranwala (30%) followed by Shiekhupura (25.17%), then Lahore (20.66%) and the lowest in Kasur (13.33%)” (p. 20).
- For cattle, the pattern was similar: “it was indicated that the infection was the highest at Gujranwala (11.5%) followed by Lahore (8.5%), Sheikhupura (6.5%) and the lowest (4.83%) at Kasur” (p. 20).
The reason for Gujranwala’s high prevalence is likely environmental. The study notes that in this area, “there were enough marshy areas and they are situated near canal lower Chenab which favours the development of snails” (p. 96), which are the crucial intermediate hosts for the parasite.
Seasonal Prevalence: When is the Risk Highest?
One of the most critical findings in the epidemiology of paramphistomosis is its strong seasonal pattern. The timing of preventative measures and treatments is crucial for success.
- The thesis clearly states that the “Overall the highest season wise prevalence 28.3% and 26% was recorded in buffaloes and cattle during Autumn” (p. xiii).
- Conversely, the lowest prevalence for both buffaloes and cattle was recorded during the winter. “Whereas the lowest 9.88% in buffaloes and 2.50% in cattle was recorded during Winter” (p. xiii).
This peak in autumn is directly linked to the climate. “In Punjab rains started in July, August and ended in September. During this period there is abundance of snails on the pasture. Animals during grazing ingested them and became affected with paramphistomosis” (p. 97). The warm, wet conditions of summer and early autumn create the perfect storm for the parasite’s life cycle to accelerate, leading to high infection rates.
The Role of Age and Sex in Susceptibility
The study went further to identify which animals within a herd are at the greatest risk. The findings provide clear guidance for farmers on which animals need the most protection.
Age-Wise Infection Rates
- A consistent and significant finding was that “the highest infection rates were recorded in younger buffaloes and cattle (below two years of age) than older (above two years of age)” (p. xiii).
- In slaughtered buffaloes, the infection rate was higher in younger animals, and the same trend was observed in live animals on farms and at veterinary hospitals (p. 17, 22, 27). For example, at farms in the Sheikhupura district, the age-wise prevalence in buffaloes showed that the “rate of infection in younger animals was higher than adults” (p. 23).
- The study suggests this is because “younger animals are considered to act as reservoirs of infection than adults” (p. 97), potentially due to a lack of acquired immunity.
Sex-Wise Prevalence
The research also uncovered a difference in infection rates between males and females, though the reasons are likely related to management practices rather than biological susceptibility.
- It was found that “prevalence indicated that male buffaloes and cattle were more commonly effected then females” (p. xiii).
- For example, in slaughtered buffaloes, the infection was “higher in males than in females” (p. 17).
- The thesis suggests a practical reason for this: “the reason seems to be related to social practice of keeping females under better management and feeding conditions in comparison to males which are generaly let lose to graze freely in pastures” (p. 97). Males, by spending more time grazing in potentially contaminated areas, have a higher exposure risk.
Conclusion
The detailed epidemiology of paramphistomosis presented in this thesis offers a powerful toolkit for combating the disease. By understanding that the risk is highest in specific districts like Gujranwala, peaks during the autumn season, and disproportionately affects young, male animals, targeted and cost-effective control strategies can be designed. This research moves beyond simply identifying a problem; it provides the precise data needed to create solutions, demonstrating how vital a deep understanding of disease patterns is to protecting livestock health and the agricultural economy.
Source & Citations
Thesis Title: EPIDEMIOLOGY, ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE AND THERAPY OF PARAMPHISTOMOSIS IN CATTLE AND BUFFALOES
Researcher: Umbreen Javed Khan
Guide (Supervisor): Prof. Dr. Tanveer Akhtar
University: DEPARTMENT OF ZOOLOGY, UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB, LAHORE, PAKISTAN.
Year of Compilation: Not specified, research conducted from Nov. 2002 to Oct. 2004.
Excerpt Page Numbers: xiii, 1, 17, 20, 22, 23, 27, 96, 97.
Disclaimer
Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.
How can this detailed epidemiological data help farmers in high-risk areas like Gujranwala better protect their herds? Share your practical strategies in the comments below!
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