The Prevalence of Bovine Fascioliasis in a Slaughter Slab at Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine fascioliasis through examination of liver from slaughtered cattle and the analysis of fecal samples for the characteristics of eggs of Fasciola spp. at the Ekpoma slaughter slab in Edo State, Nigeria. Study Design: The study was cross-sectional, conducted in September, 2024. Methodology: A total of 136 adult cattle (120 males and 16 females) were examined for fascioliasis. From each cattle, about 3 g of stool samples were analyzed qualitatively by the sedimentation technique; while liver samples were grossly examined by tissue palpation and incision for adult flukes. Results: The results of fecal sample analysis showed a prevalence of 39.7%, which is higher than 14.7% observed from the gross examination of the liver tissues. The severity index of infections showed a predominance of mild infection 11.7% compared to 1.5% obtained for moderate and heavy infections respectively. Conclusion: The findings showed a variation in the prevalence of fascioliasis based on organ/system of examination. It reveals that prevalence study should be based on fecal analysis rather than on gross examination of liver tissues.  There is, therefore, a need for application of control measures to secure both the animal and human lives through regular deworming and control of snail intermediate hosts.