Parasitic Infection of Common Lowland Frog (Hoplobatrachus rugulosus) in Maha Sarakham and Roi-et Provinces

Abstract

Studies on parasitic distribution of the common lowland frog from 5 farms in Maha Sarakham and Roi-et Provinces during August, 2015 to July, 2016. Totally 833 diseased frogs were collected and examined for parasitic infestation from 3 stages of frog (tadpole, young frog and adult frog at 320, 330 and 183 frogs, respectively). In addition, water quality analysis involving parasitic infection to frog was also carried out. The results revealed that all stages of frogs were infected by parasites throughout the year, in which 91.72% (764 frogs). Both ectoparasite and endoparasite found to affect the frogs at 9.89 and 90.11%, respectively. The ectoparasite found 2 genera of ciliate protozoa including Epistylis and Acineta, while endoparasite especially in intestine found 2 genera of ciliate protozoa including Opalina and Balantidium and 4 genera of parasitic rotifer including Monostyla, Lecane, Philodina and Bracheonus. The investigated shows that Opalina and Balantidium were the highest prevalence and abundance in each stages, areas and seasons. While the lowest one was Philodina. Water quality analysis showed optimum for aquatic animals, except the dissolved oxygen, total ammonia-N (NH3-N) and nitrite (NO2-). In conclusion, parasitic infection of frogs could occur throughout the year. The types and prevalence of parasites were depending on culture management, water quality and season, especially the cumulative of organic matter and waste would increase number of pathogens and caused diseases outbreak. For parasitic treatment and
prevention farmers could be treat with anti-parasites, periodically clean up cultured ponds using some
chemicals, and importantly farm hygiene and water quality management are requires.