2025, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part C

Background: Giardia sp is a protozoan parasite, which causes Giardiasis, a disease that is among the most prevalent intestinal infections of humans and animals world over. The infection is linked to weight loss, diarrhea and low productivity and the consequent colossal losses in terms of economics in ruminants especially the calves.

Purposes: The aims of the provided research were to establish the rates of Giardia infection in the calves of the selected rural villages of the City of Shatrah, Iraq and the dynamics of infection depending on sex and season.

Methods: The sample was collected as 80 fecal samples each of 27 male calves and 53 female calves collected in November through 2024 to February 2025. To determine Giardia cysts and trophozoites, the samples were examined using a microscope using direct wet smear and flotation technique. Results: The prevalence rate of Giardia sp infection was established to be 37.5% where 30 out of the 80 samples were observed to be positive. The infection among the female calves was slightly higher (39.62%) than that of the male calves (33.33%), but the difference was not significant (p>0.05). The prevalence highest was observed during the month of November which coincided with the start of rainy season and this may be a pointer that the environment is a dynamic factor in the infections. Conclusion: The results indicated Giardiasis is a disease in cattle that is endemic in southern Iraq. It requires better husbandry, sanitation and surveillance and it must inhibit its spread on the one hand and curb the possible zoonotic capabilities between animals and humans on the other hand.