Parasites

ASCARIDS or ROUNDWORMS
The heavy losses of young buffalo calves throughout the world are caused, in large
measure, by the roundworm Toxocara vitulorum. Common symptoms are diarrhea (or
alternating diarrhea and constipation), dehydration, dullness, weakness, coma and death.
Infection may be prenatal or through the ingestion of larvae in colostrum or milk. Large
masses of worms in the bile ducts and abomasum and intestinal perforations have been
observed (7a). According to some observers, (7b) infestation is prenatal and worms are
seldom observed in calves over 240 days of age. The major cause of buffalo calf mortality
in Bangladesh is <>. Presence of larvae in milk is very common and the route of infection
may be thru direct transfer from cow to calf (7c). The dam plays the role of intermediate
host in this case. In India post mortem study of 500 buffalo calves under 6 months of age
showed that one third harbored adult roundworms (7d). Although huge numbers of calves
die each year, anthelmintic drugs that control the roundworms are highly effective and
widely available.
BABESIOSIS
A febrile condition caused by the blood protozoan has been reported in Nepal and India
(7e). Heavy tick infestations with Boophilus microplus and Hyalomma anatolicum was
suspected to be involved in the transmission of this disease. Infections of Babesia
argentina and B. bigemini have been reported in feral buffaloes (7f).
COCCIDIOSIS
Parasitic diarrhea and dysentery in young buffalo calves is quite common. A large number
of Eimeria sp have been reported (7g). In feedlot situations where the larger nematodes and
flukes are regularly treated this parasite can become a major cause of calf mortality (7h).
CUTANEOUS FILARIASIS
This disease is caused by Parafilaria bovicola in cattle and characterized by cutaneous
hemorrhages is very common in parts of India and Nepal. Sporadic incidences of filarial
cutaneous lesions have been observed in buffalo.
CUTANEOUS ONCHOCERCIASIS
Cutaneous lesions in the dermis, mostly confined to the xiphoid region as a result of
Onchocerca sp. has been reported from Australia and east Asia (7i). These are commonly
associated with heavy biting fly infestations and in Nepal are commonly associated with
culicoides or "warbles". A species of culicoides has been found capable of spreading
Onchocerca sp infection in buffaloes (7j).
ECHINOCOCCOSIS
Hydatid cysts of Echinococcus granulosum has been reported from almost every part of the
buffalo body. Very high incidence has been reported from India and Nepal(7k)... probably
as a result of their system of butchering animals in open areas and feeding the scraps and
hydatid cysts to the local dogs. Slaughterhouse studies have shown infestation rates of 50%
to 75% (7l). Urbanization and the raising of buffaloes in semi confinement has also
contributed to the severity of the problem . Low incidence rates of 2% were reported in
Swamp buffaloes in rural areas (7m).
ECTOPARASITES
The wallow and it's resulting mud pack seems to protect water buffalo from many biting
flies, but the main ectoparasites in Australia and Southeast Asia is the buffalo fly (Siphona
sp.). Lice, ticks and mites infest buffaloes mostly during the winter season when farmers
are by and large reluctant to take their animals for wallowing or to wash them at home.
Flies and mosquitoes are a great nuisance for buffaloes during hot and humid weather.
Pediculosis, caused by the sucking louse (Hematopinus tuberculatus), occurs widely among
buffalo (7n). Lice and their eggs multiply largely during the winter season and it is not
uncommon to see the hairs of buffaloes full of the eggs (7p). Shearing is the easiest and
most economical method of control. Used motor oil is not recommended.
EYE PARASITES
Several species of moths feed on the lacrimal secretions of buffaloes at night. They also
suck blood and may be involved in the transmission of many infectious diseases (7q).
Conjunctivitis caused by Thelazia sp. is very common in buffaloes. The incidence of
infection varied from 35% to 45% in various studies (7r). High incidence occurs during the
rainy season. These parasites will cause conjunctival abscesses in many cases partial
blindness, corneal opacity and lost or damaged eyeballs are commonly seen in Asian
buffalo.
FILARIAL NEMATODES
Several types have been reported.
FLUKES-HEPATIC
During wallowing, water buffaloes can easily become infected with the waterborne
infective stage of liver flukes ...usually Fasciola hepaticaor F. gigantica. They are very
common in adult buffaloes. Snails of Lymnaea sp. are the vectors. In Nepal these are by far
the most common parasite of adult buffaloes and caused high chronic losses and not a few
acute deaths. Oral medication with carbon-tetrachloride (CTC) is the most common method
of treatment in Nepal. In well fed animals, few clinical signs of the infestation are usually
evident. It seems likely that the resulting liver damage reduces the growth and the work and
milk production of buffaloes more than is generally appreciated.
FLUKES-INTESTINAL
Intestinal flukes commonly infest the complex stomach system of buffaloes. The incidence
of GI parasitism is much higher in buffaloes than in cattle of the same area. This is mainly
due to the high affinity of buffaloes for water and swampy areas. Adult flukes inhabit the
rumenoreticulum. Larval stages live mostly in the duodenal region of the small intestine
and can cause enteritis characterized by diarrhea and dysentry. The common flukes of
buffaloes are Paramphistomum sp., Cotylophoron cotylophorum,Calicophoron sp., Olveria
sp. and Ceylonocotyle sp.. Fluke infestations (intestinal and hepatic) are the most common
cause of both acute and chronic losses in adult water buffalo (7s). Immature stages of
biliary leach Gigantocotyle explanatum develop in the upper part of the intestine and cause
losses in calves (7t).
LEECHES
Leeches are very common in India and Nepal...natural water, paddy and wet monsoon
forest are usually heavily infested. They attach themselves to the body of animals and
humans while working in the paddy or walking through the forested areas. Land or forest
leeches require only the moisture of monsoon rain or damp forest to become active. Some
species live in trees and drop onto their hosts as the pass. Leeches feed solely on the blood
of hosts and suck blood to many fold increase their size. They then detach and fall off.
Single feedings may be sufficient for many days ...or even months. Blood loss caused by
sucking and subsequent hemorrhage due to the anti-coagulant nature of the bite can leave
animals weak and anemic. Occasionally leeches enter and attach within the nasal cavity or
pharyngeal mucosa.In the Himalayan area the leach is by far the most common external
parasite of buffalo and people. Chickens are the most practical method of control. Birds
will wait at the trail side for buffalo to return from pasture and will then, with great
excitement, pick leeches off the buffalo's legs, backs and ears. Leaches have been suspected
of transferring the FMD virus.
LUNGWORM
Infestation of the respiratory tract of buffaloes by Dictyocaulus viviparus has been reported
from tropical and sub-tropical areas. A few outbreaks of parasitic bronchitis have been
reported in the buffaloes of Italy and Egypt (7u). In Egypt, disease was observed at the end
of the clover grazing period and characterized by irratitive bronchitis associated with the
adult worms. In Italian buffaloes both irritative and allergic conditions have been observed
(7v). Incidence of D. vivparus infestation in buffalo calves causing death in about 60% of
infected animals has been reported (7w).
MANGE
Occurrences of all three types of mange, sarcoptic (Sarcoptes scabiei var. bubalus),
psoroptic(Psoroptes natalensis), and demodectic (Demodax bovis) has been reported (7x).
Young calves are more susceptible and often deaths can result. Lack of cleanliness,
environmental stress and climatic conditions all encourage the spread of these parasites.
SARCOSPORIDIOSIS
The cysts are present in the muscles and in various organs. Infections in dogs have been
identified through observation of oocysts in their feces after feeding infected diaphragm
muscle of buffaloes. The dog ...and possibly the cat are suggested as probable hosts.
SCHISTOSOMIASIS
These are a blood flukes of the Schistosoma sp. At least 4 species have been identified (7y).
They can cause enteritis in young buffalo calves below 2 years of age. One species
Schistosoma nasale inhabits the blood vessels of the nasal mucosa. The condition is
diagnosed by the presence of eggs in the nasal discharge. The intermediate host has been
reported to be a species of fresh water snail. Infection by the cercariae takes place when the
buffaloes drink and eggs appear in the nasal discharge about 90 days later. . Granulomatous
nodules are sometimes formed on the nasal mucosa. Trauma caused by irritation and
sneezing will sometimes cause dramatic nasal bleeding.
SCREWWORM
Larva of the screwworm fly (Callitroga sp.), a major pest of livestock in Central and South
America and some other tropical areas, do not affect adult water buffalo. In Venezuelan
areas where cattle (Zebu type) are severely infested, adult water buffalo are virtually free of
screwworm larvae and the umbilicus of newborn calves seldom if ever becomes
infected(10). The same is true in Papua New Guinea(11). It is thought that the mud plaster
produced by wallowing suffocates the larvae, but in India screwworms do not affect
buffaloes either, and there they wallow in fairly clear water and the farmer usually washes
them off(12).
STRONGYLOIDS
The adult water buffalo appears to have a high degree of resistance to strongyloid
nematodes. Being such excellent converters of rough forage fodders they do not suffer the
nutritional deficiencies and the resulting liability to these nematodes experienced seasonally
by cattle. However, occurrence in young buffalo calves is quite common...estimated at an
incidence of 15% as compared to roundworms at 33%. Heavy infestations will produce
nodular duodenal lesions and diarrhea but usually their effect is masked by other parasites.
SYNGAMUS
Infection of Syngamus laryngeus in buffaloes and cattle of tropical countries is very
common.
TAPEWORMS
Tapes have been reported at a incidence of 15% in some situations ..usually Moniezia
sp(7z) ..
THEILERIOSIS
Buffaloes suffer from theileriosis. It may also occur in sub-clinical form. Several infectious
species have been isolated in India (7za) and Australia (7zb).
TICKS
Buffaloes are notably resistant, although not immune, to ticks. In a tick infested area of
northern Australia only 2 engorged female ticks were found on 13 adult buffaloes during a
2-year test(8). Accordingly, healthy buffaloes are not commonly affected by diseases borne
by ticks nor are the hides damaged by their bites. Since ticks are rarely found on buffaloes
in the field, anaplasmosis, theileriasis and babesiosis which are tick-borne, are not often
seen . ( Buffaloes and cattle are equally susceptible, however, if inoculated with East Coast
fever, a form of theileriasis). This is important because tick infestations in cattle are
particularly troublesome in the tropics and the pesticides used to control them are becoming
ineffective as the ticks develop resistance. The pesticides are also becoming expensive. The
basis of the buffalo's tick resistance is not known, but wallowing and rubbing may play a
role in it; animals kept in experimental pens in Australia have developed heavy tick
infestations(9).
TRYPANOSOMIASIS
Called Surra in many parts of the world.The water buffalo is susceptible to trypanosomiasis
and is reportedly more susceptible than cattle to Trypanosoma evansi. Experience with the
animal in Africa is limited, but trypanosomiasis may be the reason why Egypt is the only
African country that has traditionally employed water buffaloes. Characterized by fever,
congestion and weakness in the acute form ...but sub clinical infection is more common .
For differential diagnosis from other similar diseases or for health evaluations blood smears
should be examined.

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david j. ligda
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Prepared by the working Group on Buffalo Recording after the first series of meetings in
veldhoven, from 24 to 26 June, 1996. Participants: B. Moioli (Italy) s> Galal (FAO Rome),
K. Trivedi(India), R. Usmani (Pakistan), A.Abdel Aziz (Egypt), F. El-Kerabi(Egypt), R.
Donald (Egypt) Tz. Peeva(Bulgaria), A Rosati(Italy), F. Miglior(Italy)

http://ww2.netnitco.net/users/djligda/waterbuf.htm
 Water Buffalo
One of the most difficult parts of discussing the Water Buffalo with citizens of North
America ......or any non-Asian fan of the American cowboy or jungle adventure movie .....is
to identify the correct animal. There are many closly related groups within the Order
Artiodactyla or even toed animals.
The American Bison ...or American Western Buffalo is not a true buffalo but its own Genus
. They are closer to cattle (Bos) than to the water buffalo and will interbreed with cattle.
The African Cape Buffalo Syncerus caffer is actually only a distant relative. Their
reputation for a mean-tempered disposition has tarnished the Water Buffalo, with which
they will not interbreed and which is classified in a different genus. Most water buffalo are
generally docile and are frequently seen being tended and ridden by small children An
apparent exception is the Egyptian male buffalo which can be highly temperamental..
There are two general types of water buffalo...the Swamp(Bubalus carabanesis)which are
found from the Philippines to as far west as India ....and River(Bubalus bubalis)... which
are found farther west from India to Egypt and Europe. NOTE: The genus name Bubalus is
sometimes spelled Bubalis
The water buffalo has been associated with man from the earliest prehistoric times.
Although the water buffalo was originally an Asian animal, it arrived early (about 600
A.D.) in the Near East and North Africa. It was introduced to Europe by crusaders returning
in the Middle Ages and outstanding herds still exist in Italy and Bulgaria. In recent times,
the water buffalo has prospered in South and Central America. Micronesia and Australia
have also introduced them. China and Burma also depends heavily on the water buffalo and
its products. India depends upon the water buffalo for meat and milk. In Australia and the
US a secondary industry has developed in hunting them as trophies ....evidently as feral
animals they can become rather wiley ....however to a reader from Asia or the Near East, I
assume that this must sound like someone trophy hunting a Jersey Cow.
Before the mid 1970s, the only water buffaloes in North America were a few animals in
zoos. The US imported ~50 animals in February 1978. Air freighted from the wilds of
Guam, the US posession in he western Pacific, by Mr. Tony Leonards. Prior to that time (in
1974 or 75) four (or five) head of water buffalo were imported to the Department of Animal
Science, University of Florida, for study. (See US water buffalo history). Ms. Patricia M.
Sorrells has done a interesting analysis of this introduction. Several small herds, totaling
about 3500 head, now exist in Florida,Louisiana, Arkansas and even Oregon. They are
generally considered to be alternative exotic livestock.
According to the latest FAO statistics, the world buffalo population in 1982 and 1992 were
128 and 148 million, respectively, indicating 1.5% average annual growth rate for the past
decade. The buffalo population in Asia was consistently 95-96% of the world total for the
last 10 years. In South Asia, India, a country of the world largest buffalo population,
accounted 53% of the world total in 1992 and increased her buffalo population by 880
thousand for the last 10 years with an annual average increase rate of 1.1% In India, water
buffaloes make up about 35% of milk animals (other than goats) but produce almost 70%
of the milk. In 1995-96 India was estimated to have about 194 million cattle and 82 million
water buffalo...a 0.7%increase from 94-95. Pakistan with the third world largest buffalo
population performed well to increase her buffaloes with an average annual increase rate of
4.7% Both Bangladesh and Nepal indicated positive growth of 5.7% and 2.1% respectively,
while Sir Lanka recorded negative growth of -0.3%. China, having the second world largest
buffalo population only after India, recorded 18.8 million in 1982 and 22.0 million in 1992
with an average growth rate of 1.6%.In Southeast Asia,Thailand held the largest buffalo
population but lost a considerable number during the last decade with a negative annual
growth rate of -3.4% Also the Philippines and Malaysia indicated the negative growth of
-1.3% and -2.3% respectively. Indonesia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmar did indicate positive
growth with annual increase rate of 3.0%, 2.3%, 2.0% and 0.2% respectively. The buffalo
number was 78 head per 1000 Asian agricultural population in 1982 while the
corresponding figure was 82 in 1992. (0a)
Buffalo butterfat is the major source of cooking oil (ghee)in some Asian countries. In the
US, they have been introduced as an "exotic" livestock with developers hoping to build a
market for the distinctive mozzarella cheese and low cholesterol meat. A market for leather
goods and decorative horn products is also developing.
In Asia, the Middle East and Europe, water buffaloes live on course vegetation on the
marginal land traditionally left to the peasants.They help make human survival possible
serving as a protein source, tractor and storage of family wealth. In some areas,they also
provide recreation at annual racing festivals.
On Taiwan water buffalo are being replaced by western cattle and efforts are being made to
protect the germ plasm. In 1980, Sir Lanka sponsored an international workshop on the
water buffalo

BREEDS

The major genetic divisions of the water buffalo are the Swamp buffalo (Bubalus
carabanensis) of the eastern half of Asia, which are slate gray, droopy necked, and ox-like
with massive swept back horns. They wallow in any water or mud puddle they can find or
make. And; the River buffalo (Bubalus bubalus)of the western half of Asia which usually is
black or dark gray with tightly curled or drooping straight horns. They prefer to wallow in
clean water.There is also the Mediterranean buffalo, which is of the River type but has been
isolated for so long that it has developed some unique characteristics. Although there is
only one breed of Swamp buffalo, certain subgroups seem to have specific inherited
characteristics. For example, the buffalos of Thailand are noted for their large size,
averaging 450-550 kg. and weights of up to 1000 kg. have been observed. Elsewhere
Swamp buffaloes range from 250 kg. for some small animals in China to 300 kg in Burma
and 500-600 kg in Laos. In Australia, the feral water buffalo has developed a characteristic
appearance. In Indonesia a black and white spotted variety is known.
Only in India and Pakistan are there well defined breeds with standard qualities. There are
18 River buffalo breeds in South Asia, which are further classified into 5 major groups
designated as the Murrah, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Central Indian and South Indian breeds.
Within these groups are breeds. The best known breeds are Murrah, Nili/Ravi, Jafarabadi,
Surti, Mehsana,Kundi and Nagpuri. Most of the buffaloes of the Indian subcontinent belong
to a nondescript group known as the Desi buffalo. Trinidad imported several breeds from
India between 1905 and 1908. Crossbreeding of these animals has produced a Trinidadian
type and these animals are the stock that has been imported into the US.

BUFFALO
|
______________________________
| |
African wild buffalo Asian buffalo
Syncerus caffar ____________________________
Subspecies: | |
S. caffar caffar Wild buffaloes Domestic buffalo
S. c.brachyceros | |
S. c.nanus | |
| |
_____________________________ |
| | | |
Indian wild Arni Anoa Tamarao |
Bubalus arnee Bubalus Bubalus |
depressicorais mindorensis |
|
|
_____________________________
| |
River Type Swamp Type
Indian buffalo Bubalus
Bubalus bubalis carabanesis

Genetics

The Swamp buffalo has 48 chromosomes, the River buffalo 50. Some researchers consider
it a separate species rather than a "type" on this basis (0).The chromosomal material is
however, similar in the two types and they crossbreed to produce fertile hybrid progeny.
Cattle, however have 60 chromosomes... although mating between cattle and buffalo does
occur..... hybrids from the union are unlikely. In 1965, a reputed hybrid was born in the old
USSR(1) and hybrids have been reported from China (2). Both reports seem doubtful
because despite many attempts no other proven hybrids have ever been produced.
Individual buffaloes show large variations in milk yield, conformation, horn shape, color,
meat production, temperament, growth rate, and other characteristics. selection for survival
under adverse conditions has occurred naturally (those that could not stand adversity died)
and farmers have probably tended to select animals of gentle temperament. But systematic
genetic improvement has almost never been attempted. It seems likely that further selection
could quickly improve their productivity
Unfortunately, the large bulls that would be best for breeding purposes are often being
selected as draft animals and castrated, or sent to slaughter, or (as shot by hunters). the
result is that the buffalo's overall size in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia has been
decreasing as the genes for large size and fast growth are lost.
The buffalo is still largely an animal of the village, and many of it's reported limitations are
caused by it's environment rather than by the animal itself. The buffalo has long been
considered a poor breeder... slow to mature and slow to rebreed after calving. Poor
management and nutrition has contributed much to this reputation. Their gestation period is
about a month longer than that of cows, buffalo estrus is difficult to detect and matings
occur mainly at night so that the farmer/producer is likely to encounter more problems
breeding buffaloes than cattle. It is also possible that Swamp/River crossbreed hybrids have
reduced fertility.

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david j. ligda
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Last Updated:Monday, February 16, 1998 7:58:00 PM