Table of Contents
The Staggering Economic Losses of Paramphistomosis in Cattle & Buffaloes
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.
The Staggering Economic Losses of Paramphistomosis in Cattle & Buffaloes
Have you ever considered the hidden financial drain that parasites can have on a nation’s agricultural economy? While farmers see the visible signs of illness, the true cost is often buried in reduced yields and mounting expenses. A groundbreaking Ph.D. thesis sheds light on one such parasite, revealing the significant economic losses paramphistomosis inflicts on cattle and buffaloes, particularly in Pakistan.
This post delves into the core findings of this vital research, breaking down the financial impact of this widespread parasitic infection in ruminants. We will explore how this disease affects everything from milk and meat production to treatment costs, translating scientific data into a clear picture of the economic burden.
Understanding the Scale of the Problem
Paramphistomosis is not just a minor ailment; it is identified as “one of the most pathogenic diseases in domesticated animals causing heavy economic losses to livestock industry on the tune of several million rupees annually” (p. 1). The infection, caused by parasitic flukes, is a serious threat to livestock, agriculture, and food security. The research highlights that the disease leads to “great economic losses in terms of decrease in milk and meat production, loss of weight, treatment cost of diseased animal and additional labour required for handling such animals” (p. 214).
The Financial Impact: A Detailed Breakdown
The study meticulously calculates the costs associated with this parasitic disease. The “economic losses due to paramphistomosis in cattle and buffaloes were calculated in the present study” (p. 214), providing a clear and alarming financial assessment.
1. Losses from Rumen and Reticulum Condemnation
One of the most direct financial hits comes from the condemnation of animal organs at slaughterhouses.
- The total loss in revenue “because of paramphistomosis in the area can be calculated on the basis of the price of condemned rumen and reticulum at the rate of about Rs. 30/Kg” (p. 217).
- Data from Lahore slaughterhouses revealed that the “financial losses from the rumen reticulum condemnation in the area come to about 117334560 kg of worth Rs. 3520.037 millions annually in Punjab province over one year period” (p. 217).
This staggering figure underscores the direct waste caused by the parasite, where valuable parts of the animal are deemed unfit for consumption.
2. Reduced Milk Production in Buffaloes
For a dairy-centric agricultural economy, any drop in milk yield is a major concern. The thesis reveals a significant impact on milk production loss.
- “It has been estimated that about 27.33% reduction in milk yield occurred due to paramphistomosis” (p. 217).
- Based on the total buffalo population in Punjab, this translates to a loss in “Pak rupees is 134062.39 millions annually” (p. 217).
- Furthermore, studies on treatment showed that after being cured, “a significant increase 35.47% in milk production was observed when animals infected with paramphistomes were treated” (p. 210), confirming the direct link between the parasite and reduced yield.
3. Weight Loss and Its Economic Consequences
The health of an animal is directly tied to its weight, which in turn affects its market value. The research found a clear correlation between paramphistomosis and weight loss.
- “It has been estimated that about 20-30 per cent reduction in weight was noted due to paramphistomosis” (p. 217).
- For experimental animals in the study, “Losses due to weight reduction were more than 20 million pak rupees” (p. 217).
These indirect losses accumulate, reducing the overall profitability of livestock farming.
4. Mortality and Treatment Costs
The most severe outcome, mortality, represents a total loss for the farmer. The mortality rate in young animals is particularly “very high” (p. 214).
- “The estimated figures due to overall economic losses caused by paramphistomosis are in millions in Pakistani rupees annually” (p. 214).
- Losses from mortality have been reported in the present study, with an estimated cost of “upto Pak Rs. 894.3 millions annually” (p. 217).
- Beyond mortality, the “overall cost of treatment of paramphistomosis is about Pak Rs.30 millions annually as informed me by veterinary officers of the study areas i.e., Gujranwala, Sheikhupura, Lahore and Kasur” (p. 217).
Why Is This Happening? Prevalence Insights
To understand the economic impact, it’s crucial to know how widespread the disease is. The epidemiological study was comprehensive, covering various management conditions.
- The overall infection rate was found to be “22.29%, 28.33%, 17.08% and 12.75% in buffaloes and 7.8%, 12.33%, 7.17% and 4.25% in cattle in slaughter houses, livestock farms, veterinary hospitals and household” (p. xiii).
- The study found that the “highest season wise prevalence 28.3% and 26% was recorded in buffaloes and cattle during Autumn” (p. xiii). This seasonal peak is critical for timing preventative measures.
- The research also noted that “male buffaloes and cattle were more commonly effected then females” (p. xiii), an important factor for herd management.
Conclusion
The research conducted by Dr. Umbreen Javed Khan provides undeniable proof of the severe economic losses paramphistomosis causes in the livestock sector of Punjab, Pakistan. From massive revenue loss due to organ condemnation to significant drops in milk production and high animal mortality, the financial toll runs into millions of rupees annually. These findings are a critical call to action for implementing strategic, widespread deworming and management practices to protect animal health and secure the economic foundation of the region’s agricultural industry.
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, 210, 214, 217.
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.
For farmers and veterinarians in the region, do these findings on the economic losses of paramphistomosis align with what you see in the field? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!
Discover more from Professor Of Zoology
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
