Prevalensi Thelaziasis Pada Sapi Bali (Bos javanicus) Di Desa Tanjung Kecamatan Tanjung Kabupaten Lombok Utara

Abstract

Thelaziasis is a parasitic ocular disease caused by the nematode Thelazia sp. and transmitted by vector flies belonging to the genera Fannia and Musca. Thelazia sp. infection can lead to various clinical manifestations, including ocular irritation, conjunctivitis, keratitis, and visual impairment in livestock. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of thelaziasis in Bali cattle (Bos javanicus) in Tanjung Village, Tanjung District, North Lombok Regency. A descriptive quantitative method with a cross-sectional study design was employed. A total of 30 Bali cattle were selected via random sampling from a population of 308 head of cattle in Tanjung Village, North Lombok Regency. The selected cattle were examined directly in their barns using a topical treatment of 5 drops of 10% levamisole. Thelazia sp. nematodes recovered from the ocular organs of the livestock were collected and transported to the Laboratory of Parasitology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Pendidikan Mandalika. Data regarding positive individuals and morphological identification were analyzed descriptively, and the positive sample data were utilized to calculate the prevalence of thelaziasis at the study site. The results revealed that 2 out of 30 examined cattle were positive for Thelazia sp. infection. The recovered nematodes exhibited distinct morphological characteristics, including an elongated, yellowish-white to transparent body, a transversely striated cuticle, and a vulva positioned near the posterior esophagus, opening caudally. Based on these observed morphological features, the specimens were highly consistent with Thelazia sp. Based on the number of positive cases, the prevalence rate of thelaziasis was determined to be 6.67%. This prevalence rate is considered low compared to several previous studies. The low prevalence could be attributed to good livestock health status, well-maintained barn sanitation, and a relatively intensive husbandry system.