Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis among cattle slaughtered in Soroti municipal abattoir.

Abstract

Fascioliasis is a helminthic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Fasciola, Bovine fascioliasis (liver rot) is considered one of the most important parasitic diseases of domestic ruminants spread worldwide. This study determined the prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle slaughtered at Soroti municipal abattoir, Soroti District. A cross sectional study was used to determine the prevalence of fascioliasis using post-mortem liver of slaughtered animals. A total of 265 slaughtered cattle were inspected at post-mortem. The study revealed that the prevalence of bovine fascioliasis was 80.4% (n=213) among cattle slaughtered in Soroti municipal abattoir. There was a significant difference (X2= 22.385; P<0.05) in prevalence of fascioliasis among adults (91.4%; n=127) and sub-adults. (98.3%, n=8.6). There was no significant difference (X2= 0.138; P=O.709) in prevalence of fascioliasis between males (80.9%; n= 157) and females (78.9%; n=56). of the infested livers, 362%, 41.3% and 22.5%·were mildly, moderately and severely infested respectively. The Adult cattle (cows and bulls) had significantly higher severe fascioliasis Infection (P<0.05) than the sub-adults (steers and heifers). Severity of the infestation was significantly higher in the cows (52.5%.) than any other age group of cattle slaughtered in Soroti municipal abattoir (X2 value=57547, P< 0.05). According to 'the study 74.2% and 25.8%. of the infested livers were partially and totally' condemned respectively. To conclude bovine fascioliasis was found to be prevalent among cattle slaughtered in Soroti municipal abattoir, based on the study public enlightenment about the disease and an effective control program are recommended in the catchment areas of Soroti Municipal abattoir.