Epidemiological Studies of Ectoparasites Infestation on Cattle at the Sylhet Region of Bangladesh

To investigate the epidemiology of ectoparasites infestation on cattle of different ages, sexes, seasons and their different areas of Sylhet district. Epidemiological studies on ectoparasites infestation of cattle were undertaken in such localities under different climatic conditions existing in Sylhet district of five different upazilla. Cattle were divided into young and adult groups. Cattles were examined randomly and ectoparasites were collected from the infested cattle during from July 2014 to June 2015. Both physical examination and laboratory investigation were employed in the study.A total of 1800 household live cattle (900 male and 900 female) were examined of which 1121 (62.28%) found positive for ectoparasites infestation. The overall prevalence of tick, lice and mite infestations were 37.67, 17.56 and 7.06% respectively. It was noticed that prevalence of tick infestation was the outstanding ectoparasites followed by lice and mite. The overall prevalence of infestation was higher during rainy while lowest during summer season. The highest prevalence was recorded in adults. Moreover, the overall prevalence of ectoparasites infestation in females was more than male’s cattle. Ectoparasites infestation is highly prevalent on cattle in Sylhet district of Bangladesh. Hence, good veterinary services and management practice should be used to effective control of intensive ectoparasites infestation on cattle