Studies on Paramphistomes of Domestic Ruminants in Kasulu District, Tanzania

An abattoir survey was carried out in Kasulu district to determine the prevalence of stomach flukes (paramphistomes) in the district. Eight paramphistome species belonging to three families of super-family paramphistomoidea were identified. These were calicophoron raja, cotylophoron cotylophorum, paramphistomum daubneyi, p. microbothrium, pphillerouxi and p sukumum (family parampistomatidae) carmyerius sp (family gastrothylacidae) and stephanopharynx sp (family stephanopharyngidae). Of these, six co.cotylophorum, p.microbothrium, pdaubneyi, ca. raja, carmyerius sp. and stephanopharynx sp.) were endemic in local cattle, goats and sheep.p sukumum and p. phillerouxi wer found only in cattle imported into the district from neighbouring Tabora region. Two of the eight species, namely p. microbothrium and p. daubneyi, are known to cause fatal,acute interestinal paramphistomiasis in livestock. Snail surveysrevealed the presence of three snail species, namely biomphalaria pfeifferi, Lymnaea natalensis(incuding l.n gravieri) and gyraulus costulatus. None of the tested snails shed paramphistome cercariae. Taxonomic studies using numerical taxonomy (cluster analysis and principal components analysis) were employed in confirmation of identification based on anatomical/ morphological features. The usefulness of these methods in the taxonomy of stomach flukes is discussed.