Field evaluation of Albendazole efficacy in beef cattle naturally infected with trematodes in West Papua, Indonesia

¹ Animal Health Study Program, Faculty of Animal Husbandry, University of Papua, Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia
² Veterinary Science Doctoral Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
³ Department of Veterinary Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Geographic Science and Information, Faculty of Geography, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
⁵ Department of Animal Science Socioeconomics, Faculty of Animal Science, Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Trematodosis is a condition caused by Fasciola spp. and Paramphistomum spp., and is a major constraint to cattle productivity. Although albendazole is widely used for control of the condition, its effectiveness varies, and increasing reports of resistance are raising serious concerns. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of albendazole in beef cattle naturally infected with trematodes in West Papua. A total of 9 cattle were assigned to 3 groups, control (P1), single-dose albendazole 10 mg/kg BW (P2), and 2 doses at the same rate with an 8-week interval (P3). Trematode eggs per gram of feces (EPG) were measured weekly for 14 weeks using the sedimentation method. The data obtained were analyzed using Repeated Measures ANOVA, the Wilcoxon test, and Fecal Egg Count Reduction (FECR). The results showed that P3 achieved the highest reduction (FECR 73.57%), P2 had a moderate reduction (41.67%), and P1 had an 80% increase. Time and treatment × time interaction were reported to be significant (p < 0.01), while treatment effect alone was not (p > 0.05). In addition, 2-dose albendazole was more effective than a single dose but did not reach the >80% efficacy threshold, showing the need for integrated parasite control strategies.