Abstract:
Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection of livestock caused by liver flukes of the genus Fasciola. It affects the health and productivity of animals causing economic losses due to liver condemnation and reduced meat quality. More than $3.2 billion USD per year is lost in the whole world due to Fascioliasis and during post mortem inspections in animals’ slaughter areas the infested liver with Fascioliasis is the most condemned organ, this requires all measures to reduce these economic losses. This study aimed to estimate the cost of liver lost due to Fascioliasis in Soroti and Katakwi abattoirs of Uganda, where the disease is endemic. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 246 cattle conveniently selected from Soroti and Katakwi abattoirs. Liver samples were collected at slaughter and examined for the presence and intensity of fluke infestation, the infected liver was weighed on the digital weighing scale and weight was recorded. The cost of liver lost was calculated based on the market price of liver and the weight reduction due to infection. The prevalence of Fascioliasis was 75.7% in Soroti and 47.1% in Katakwi. The cost of liver lost was estimated at 6,776,627million UGX per year for Katakwi and 173,798,400million UGX per year for Soroti. The average economic loss per cattle was 10,274 UGX and 25,607 UGX in Katakwi and Soroti abattoir respectively with the liver weight loss being 37.245kgs and 148.505kgs in Katakwi and Soroti respectively. Cattle aged 2 to 3years had a high infection rate compared to those aged 4years and above, animals originating from Katakwi sub-county had a high infection and economic loss with Anopete sub-county having the lowest in Katakwi and in Soroti, katera sub-county had a high infestation and economic loss while Toroma sub-county had the lowest economic loss. The study concluded that Fascioliasis is a serious economic problem for livestock farmers in the study area and recommended the implementation of effective control measures such as deworming with the appropriate drugs and providing clean water to animal. Further studies should be made to assess the potential and the risks of people being infected by Fascioliasis.
