Neutrophilia associated with pyocatarrhal enteritis in bubaline Moniezia expansa infection

The present communication describes neutrophilia associated with pyocatarrhal enteritis in Bubaline Moniezia expansa infection in Murrah buffaloes [4 adults (2 heifers and 2 milch) and 2 calves] at a dairy farm in Aonla, Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh). The animal owner reported decreased milk yield in 2 productive adult Murrah buffaloes and weight loss in 2 Murrah buffalo heifers and 2 calves. All these animals except calves were passing pasty feces with pus at the top since last 4 months. The animals were not dewormed for the last 6 months. Microscopic examination of feces revealed the presence of triangular shaped eggs with hexacanth embryonic mass in them. Gravid segments recovered from feces were also crushed between two slides and found filled with triangular eggs which were diagnosed as M. expansa. Eggs Per Gram (EPG) of fecal samples ranged from 4500 to 6000. Blood parameters like neutrophils and eosinophils were increased. Neutrophils were observed containing large cytoplasmic granules. Animals were treated with Praziquantel @ 10 tabs orally once for adult buffalo and 3 tabs for calves orally and supportive therapy. After treatment, there was reduction in the quantity of pus being passed in feces and pus was completely absent 8 weeks post treatment. No M. expansa eggs could be recovered 7 days post treatment in the fecal sample of all animals. All animals completely recovered.