Therapeutic efficacy of anthelmintics in management of Toxocara vitulorum infection in calves

A study was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of anthelmintics ie; Pyrantel pamoate, Piperazine citrate and fenbendazole for the treatment of Toxocara vitulorum infection in few local and cross-bred cattle calves of Assam upto 6 months of age. Faecal samples were collected before treatment and after treatment to count the eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces and drug efficacy percentage was estimated. The overall efficacy of piperazine citrate was found to be higher (78.79%), followed by fenbendazole (78.28%) and pyrantel pamoate (75.81%). However all the three anthelmintics were effective against Toxocara vitulorum infection, but considering the reduction in EPG count, cost and availability, fenbendazole at the dose rate of 7.5 mg per kg body weight for a single dose, may suitably be recommended along with the supportive therapy against Toxocara vitulorum infection in calves.