Gastro-intestinal roundworm parasitism in water buffalo
Gastro-intestinal roundworm parasitism caused by nematodes is a very common disease in water buffalo, especially in young animals. Microscopic or visible roundworms establish themselves in the stomach and intestines, where they feed on bloo...
What is it?
Gastro-intestinal roundworm parasitism caused by nematodes is a very common disease in water buffalo, especially in young animals. Microscopic or visible roundworms establish themselves in the stomach and intestines, where they feed on blood or nutrients meant for the animal. This parasitic infection slows growth and weakens the herd, with significant economic impact on milk and meat production.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
Signs vary depending on the number of worms present and the animal's age. Persistent diarrhea is often seen, sometimes with soft or greenish stools. The animal gradually loses weight despite sometimes maintaining appetite, and its coat becomes dull and rough. In young buffalo, growth delay is marked. Some blood-sucking worms cause anemia visible through pale mucous membranes (gums, eyes) and sometimes swelling under the jaw (edema known as 'bottle jaw'). In severe cases, the animal becomes depressed, dehydrated, and its belly may appear bloated.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Several genera of gastro-intestinal nematodes may be involved, notably Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Ostertagia, Cooperia, Bunostomum, and Toxocara (in young animals). These worms live in the abomasum (fourth stomach compartment) or intestine. Females lay eggs shed in feces, which develop into infective larvae on pasture. Buffalo become infected by grazing on grass contaminated with these larvae.
Weaned young buffalo are the most susceptible because they have not yet developed immunity.
Wet pastures, marshy areas, and stagnant water sources favour larval survival, which matches the water buffalo's natural environment well.
High stocking density on the same plot, poor nutrition, and stress (calving, transport) also increase risk.
Warm, humid seasons are periods of greatest pasture contamination.
Transmission
Transmission occurs orally by ingesting larvae present on grass, in water, or in mud of the damp pastures frequented by buffalo. The cycle does not spread directly from animal to animal but must pass through contaminated pasture.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The vet suspects this disease when clinical signs (diarrhoea, weight loss, poor growth) and herd history are observed.
Confirmed diagnosis relies on faecal analysis at the laboratory (faecal examination), which identifies and counts worm eggs.
A blood test may be useful to assess the degree of anaemia in suspected cases of blood-feeding worms.
Treatment
Treatment involves administering antiparasitic drugs (wormers) from different chemical families, selected by the vet based on the type of worm identified.
Nutritional support and sometimes iron supplementation can accompany treatment in cases of marked anaemia.
The choice and rotation of wormer families must be managed to limit the emergence of resistance.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Pasture management is essential: avoid overgrazing, rotate grazing plots, and do not allow young animals to graze on areas used the previous year by infested animals.
A rational antiparasitic treatment based on regular faecal analysis helps limit the development of resistance.
Good nutrition strengthens the animals' natural resistance to parasites.
Cleaning water sources and draining muddy areas reduce larval survival.
Possible complications
Without treatment, a heavy infestation can result in severe anaemia, permanent stunting, and general weakening of the immune system.
The most severely affected young animals may die, especially in cases of infestation with highly blood-feeding worms such as Haemonchus.
Milk production and herd fertility can also be affected in the long term.
When to see a veterinarian
Persistent diarrhoea lasting several days in a young buffalo.
Progressive weight loss despite normal appetite.
Pallor of the gums or eyes, a possible sign of anaemia.
Visible stunting in young animals in the herd.
Swelling under the jaw.
Prognosis
The outlook is generally good when the condition is detected and treated promptly, with growth resuming after treatment.
With heavy infestation or delayed treatment, the outlook becomes guarded, especially in young animals that are anemic.
Frequently asked questions
Is parasitism by roundworms dangerous for humans?
No, these worms are specific to animals and are not transmitted to humans under normal conditions.
At what age are buffalo most vulnerable?
Recently weaned young buffalo, lacking acquired immunity, are the most susceptible to these parasites.
Can this disease be prevented without medication?
Yes, partly thanks to good pasture management: rotation of plots, avoiding overgrazing and proper herd feeding.
Should the entire herd be dewormed systematically?
No, it is recommended to base treatments on fecal analysis to target animals that are actually infested and limit antiparasitic resistance.
References
ESCCAP — European Scientific Counsel Companion Animal Parasites
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
FAO — Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 27 August 2026
Comments (0)
No comments yet.
AT A GLANCE
Need a veterinarian?
Find a practitioner near you on TunisieVet, with their specialities, hours and contact details.
Find a veterinarianCategories
Affected species
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for a veterinary consultation. If you have any concerns about your animal's health, consult a veterinarian.
Thinking of welcoming a pet? Dogs and cats are waiting for a family in Tunisia, and adoption is completely free.
Adoption listingsTo discover
Related diseases and linked Animalia content.
Foot-and-mouth disease
Viral · Vaccine available
Brucellosis
Bacterial · Vaccine available
Tuberculosis
Bacterial
📱 عندك صفحة على فايسبوك؟ باهي… أما وين موقعك؟ الصفحة وحدها ما تكفيش. موقعك يخلي الناس تلقاك، يعرفوك أكثر ويثقو في خدمتك. 🌐 موقع باسم مشروعك 📲 يخدم أربعة وعشرين ساعة 🤝 يعطي ثقة واحترافية .📈 يعاونك تكبّر خدمتك خلّيه موجود وين الناس تلوّج عليه 🚀نعملولك موقع يشرّف مشروعك
WhatsApp
