Risk factors associated with gastrointestinal nematode infections of cattle in Nakuru and Mukurweini districts of Kenya

Abstract

A study was carried out in Nakuru and Mukurweini districts of Kenya to identify the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in cattle on 128 dairy farms between June 16th 2010 and August 30th 2010. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum of 419 heads of cattle that were above three months of age on the selected farms, refrigerated and delivered to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nairobi, for GIN analyses (McMaster method) within 7 days. Questionnaires were administered on every farm to collect individual animal and farm management data. Logistic regression analysis was carried out (univariable and multivariable), and a model developed using a backward elimination method. The univariable analysis revealed that animal age, district, time to last deworming, frequency of manure removal, source of forages, and the type of dewormer used last as the factors associated with GIN  infections in cattle. The final regression model indicated that animal age, farm district, time to last deworming, and the type of dewormer used last as the factors associated with nematode infections in cattle. The study concluded that grazing management and the deworming management, particularly among young animals, were the main factors associated with cattle GIN infections.

Key words: Risk factors, cross-sectional design, cattle, gastrointestinal nematodes.