Coproprevalence, seroprevalence, and geographic distribution of Fasciola spp. infection in beef and dairy cattle in Pak Chong highland, Nakhon-Ratchasima Province, Northeast Thailand

Fasciola spp. is a major livestock parasite, especially in cattle, water buffalo, sheep, and goats. Infection reduces animal productivity, e.g., meat, dairy, wool and might cause death. In Thailand, reports of Fasciola spp. infection in livestock, especially dairy and beef cattle, are sparse. Pakchong district in Nakhon Ratchasima province is one of Thailand's largest farming areas for dairy and beef cattle, but the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection has never been reported in this district. The landscape of this area is mainly a hilltop plateau with many water sources suitable for the development of lymnaeid snails, the intermediate host of Fasciola spp., which are essential for the parasite life cycle. This study surveyed the copro- and seroprevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in dairy and beef cattle farmed in Pakchong district by microscope-based examination, PCR, and indirect ELISA. Associated risk factors and geographic information data were collected and analyzed. Paired stool and serum samples were collected from 102 dairy cattle and 99 beef cattle from April to November 2021. Sample analyses demonstrated a high prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection, especially in beef cattle. The overall copro-prevalence was 5.97%, with 0.99% in dairy cattle and 11.11% in beef cattle. The overall seroprevalence was 23.88%, with 2.94% in dairy cattle and 45.45% in beef cattle. Moreover, the data indicated that infection status was not correlated with animal sex and age whereas consumption of natural grasses, water resources, housing floor, and farming system were significant risk factors. Data analysis by a geographic information system (GIS) demonstrated that an associated risk could be farmed in lowering areas, especially in Chan Thuck, Nong Sa Rai, and Khlong Muang subdistricts. In conclusion, this study reports the prevalence of Fasciola spp. infection in cattle in a major farming area of Thailand which could be beneficial for designing parasite control policies in this region as well as adapting this knowledge to other Fasciola spp. endemic areas.