Abstract

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease caused by either Fasciola hepatica or Faciola gigantica. These parasitic infections are of global significance causing diseases in different mammalian species including humans. In this study, the prevalence and economic significance of Fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Gondar Elfora abattoirs was assessed. A total of 400 cattle were examined and 85 cattle (21.2%) were affected by fasciolosis. This findings indicated that, the prevalence of cattle fasiolosis is significantly affected by the age of the animals (P < 0.05), where young animals (27.7%) were more affected than the adult ones (17.1%). Body conditions disclosed a significant relation with Fasciola infection. Poor body conditioned animals showed the highest prevalence (30.8%) followed by medium (19.5%) and good body conditioned animals (17%). There were statistical significant differences between the different geographical locations. Highest prevalence of fasciolosis was exhibited in animals originated from Dembiya (50%) followed by Debarq (31.6%), Wogera (15%), Gondar zuria (13.5%), Belesa (12.9%), Dansha (11.9%) and Metema (4.7%). As recorded, due to cattle fasciolosis livers were condemned for human consumption. Thus, based on retail value of cattle liver, the direct economic loss from fasciolosis in Gondar Elfora abattoir was estimated to be 63,600 Ethiopian Birr (2316.948 USD) annually. In conclusion, cattle fasciolosis is one of the major parasitic diseases in the study area. Therefore appropriate control measures should be designed and implemented so as to reduce financial losses that may occur from organ condemnation and loss of animals from the disease.

Key words: Cattle, economy, Elfora abattoir, fasciolosis, prevalence.