# Evaluation of Gastrointestinal Endoparasites in Cattle in Central Spain: Focus on Calicophoron daubneyi with Coprological, Epidemiological, and Anthelmintic Insights

## TL;DR

This study examines the prevalence and seasonal patterns of gastrointestinal parasites, especially Calicophoron daubneyi, in cattle in central Spain, emphasizing the need for improved control strategies.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into the emergence and seasonal dynamics of Calicophoron daubneyi in cattle in central Spain.

## Key findings

- Calicophoron daubneyi was detected in 38.74% of samples and 77.5% of farms, surpassing other parasites like Fasciola hepatica.
- Seasonal shedding patterns varied, with C. daubneyi peaking in spring and winter.
- Commonly used anthelmintics were ineffective against C. daubneyi, and resistance was not evaluated.

## Abstract

Calicophoron daubneyi, a rumen fluke increasingly reported in European livestock, has emerged as a relevant parasitic threat in cattle. This study investigated the prevalence and seasonal dynamics of gastrointestinal endoparasites in 382 fecal samples from 40 beef cattle farms (26 extensive and 14 semi-extensive) in central Spain. Samples were analyzed using flotation, sedimentation, and modified McMaster techniques, complemented by PCR confirmation of trematodes and a 25-variable epidemiological survey. C. daubneyi was detected in 38.74% of samples and 77.5% of farms, surpassing Fasciola hepatica (13.09%), gastrointestinal nematodes (42.15%), and Eimeria spp. (16.75%). Mixed infections were frequent. Seasonal shedding patterns varied by parasite, with C. daubneyi peaking in spring and winter. Statistical analyses (Kruskal–Wallis, ANOVA, Mann–Whitney U) revealed significant seasonal differences and confirmed higher F. hepatica egg counts in extensive systems (p = 0.0012). Anthelmintic treatment was infrequent and mainly guided by coprological diagnosis; ivermectin, closantel, albendazole, and nitroxinil were the most used drugs, though none fully effective against C. daubneyi. Anthelmintic resistance was not evaluated in this study. These findings confirm the emergence of C. daubneyi in central Spain and highlight the need for targeted surveillance and seasonally adjusted control strategies.