The African Buffalo (Syncerus caffer): Gastro-Intestinal Parasites with Special Reference to Toxocara species in Kenya

Abstract

A six-month study was carried out among African buffaloes occupying the Ngong Hills Forest of Kajiado District, Kenya. The area is cool and humid compared to the rest of the district which is classified as semi-arid. The aim of the study was to determine the types and levels of gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites present in faeces of both calves and adult buffaloes. Samples of faeces were obtained monthly and analysed quantitatively for strongyloid nematode eggs (EPG) and qualitatively for coccidian oocysts, Toxocara and trematode (fluke) eggs. The EPG means were significantly higher in calves (p<0.05) than in adults but the monthly means were never above 100, the reason for these low levels are discussed. The prevalence rates were also higher in calves with regard to both nematodes and coccidian oocysts. Calf samples exclusively yielded both Toxocara and fluke eggs at 5.4 and 10.4% prevalence rates respectively.  The  presence  of these  latter parasite s is attributed  to  the cool  and  humid  environment  and  the  presence of water source s in this area. It is suggested that, the GI nematodes and  flukes may be transmitted to cattle  sharing  common  grazing  area  and/ or  their  infective stages may be carried downstream  to  infect animals  grazing  in  ranches  watered by the streams originating from the Ngong Hills Forest.