IDENTIFICATION AND PREVALENCE OF THELAZIA RHODESI INFECTION IN BALI CATTLE IN PUJUT, CENTRAL LOMBOK, WEST NUSA TENGGARA

Abstract

Thelaziasis is an ocular nematodiasis caused by nematodes of the genus Thelazia, which are transmitted by flies of the genus Musca spp. as intermediate vectors. This disease causes tear secretion disorders and conjunctivitis, as well as keratitis, epiphora, eyelid edema, corneal ulcers, and blindness, all of which lead to reduced productivity in livestock. This study aimed to identify, determine the prevalence of, and analyze the risk factors for Thelazia rhodesi infection in Bali cattle (Bos javanicus domesticus). The factors analyzed included age, sex, clinical signs, and husbandry practices among Bali cattle in the Pujut Subdistrict, Central Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. This study employed an observational approach with a cross-sectional design involving 120 cattle as study subjects. Data were obtained through direct examination of the cattle’s eyes and were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using Fisher’s exact test. The results showed that the prevalence of Thelazia rhodesi infection was 1.7% (2/120). Fisher’s exact test indicated that there was no significant association (p > 0.05) between sex, age, clinical signs, rearing systems, and the occurrence of thelaziasis. All cases of infection were identified in subclinical cattle. Thus, it can be concluded that the prevalence of thelaziasis in Bali cattle at the study site was relatively low and was not significantly influenced by the observed factors. Routine monitoring and improved fly management should be implemented and maintained to keep the prevalence of thelaziasis at a low level.