Seasonal variation of metacercariae in cyprinoid fish from Kwae Noi Bamroongdan Dam, Phitsanulok province, Northern Thailand

Abstract

A seasonal investigation of the occurrence of metacercariae in cyprinoid fish was conducted at the Kwae Noi Bamroongdan Dam, Phitsanulok Province, northern Thailand during December 2008 - August 2009. A total 361 cyprinoid fish from 10 species were examined by artificial digestion method evaluating for metacercariae. The metacercariae determined were Haplorchis taichui, Haplorchis pumilio, Haplorchoides sp and Centrocestus caninus. The prevalence of metacercariae ranged from 76.5% to 82.6%, with an intensity of infection of 23.4 to 36.6. H. taichui, Haplorchoides sp and C. caninus had the highest prevalence in the cool season, while H. pumilio was more prevalent during the hot season. The highest infection prevalence (100%) was seen in Rasbora metallicus, Barbodes gonionotus and R. metallicus. No significant differences in the type of metacercariae were found between seasons, indicating year-round infestation of cyprinoid fish.