PREVALENCE OF BOVINE FASCIOLOSIS IN ANIMALS SLAUGHTERED AT SENDAFA-BEKE MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR, OROMIA SPECIAL ZONE SURROUNDING FINFINNE, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

ABSTRACT A cross-sectional study aimed at estimating the prevalence and identifying Fasciola species in cattle slaughtered at Sendafa-Beke municipal abattoir was conducted from November, 2014 to April, 2015. The study was based on post-mortem inspection of livers and coprological examination using sedimentation technique. The sensitivity and specificity of sedimentation technique to diagnose Fasciola infection as compared to post-mortem inspection of liver was also determined. Out of 384 livers inspected, 134 (34.89%) were positive for Fasciola species. F. hepatica was found to be the most prevalent species 75 (55.97%) as compared to F. gigantica 24 (17.91%). Mixed infection with both species was observed in 12 (8.96%) animals and 23 (17.16%) cattle were infected with unidentified immature liver flukes. Likewise, out of 384 fecal samples examined 83 (21.6%) were positive for Fasciola eggs. On assessment for potential risk factors, age and origin, didn’t show significant association with the prevalence of infections (P>0.05). However, body condition revealed significant disparity (P<0.05) as greater magnitude of infections were detected in poor body condition of animals than medium and good body conditions. Besides, the sensitivity and specificity of the sedimentation technique as compared to postmortem finding was 61.9% and 100% respectively. It is concluded that fasciolosis, due to F. hepatica and F. gigantica, is prevalent in cattle in the study areas. Therefore, it is recommended that strategic control and prevention of the parasite should be implemented and further study on live animals of different age, species and breeds should be conducted. Furthermore, upon diagnosis of faciolosis epidemiological information about the disease with suggestive clinical examination should be considered even in the absence of Fasciola eggs during coprological examinations. Key words: Abattoir, Bovine, Coprology, Fasciolosis, Prevalence, Post- motem, Sendafa-Beke, Sensitivity, Specificity.