Abstract

A longitudinal study was conducted from September to January 2021 to determine the prevalence and its economic losses due to bovine fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Bonga municipal abattoir, Kaffa Zone, South-West Ethiopia. A total of 450 animals’ livers were examined, from which 89 were found positive for liver fluke infection (fasciolosis) with an overall prevalence of 19.78%. The prevalence of fasciolosis has shown variations between animals originating from five different districts namely Gesha, Saylem, Gimbo, Tello and Adiyo. Higher prevalence 25.20% (n=123) was found in animals originating from Gesha districts, than the other four districts that include 17.18% (n=64) Saylem districts 20.00% (n=110) from Gimbo districts, 12.96 %( n=54) 18.18(99) tello districts and the least 12.96 %( n=54) from Adiyo districts. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in prevalence of fasciolosis between cattle originating from the five different districts. Sex has statistically significant (p>0.05) influence on the prevalence of fasciolosis. The prevalence of fasciolosis was analysed by body condition score and there was significantly (p<0.05) higher infection in animals with poor body condition than with good body condition. The study shows that prevalence of fasciolosis was 26.23% on adult and 15.35% on older cattle. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in prevalence between the two age groups. Based on the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in the current study, the direct financial loss resulted from livers condemned due to fasciolosis during the 150 days of study period was estimated at 71,200 ETB. The study has recommended that farmers should be made more aware of the fact that fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in the study area with additional financial loss from condemnation of affected livers. Appropriate methods of controlling fasciolosis should be adopted that include regular deworming of cattle with correct doses and regime; and the use of moliuscicides to kill snails in the breeding places where cattle graze.

Keywords: Abattoir; Bovine fasciolosis; Economic losses; Liver; Prevalence; Bonga