Abstract

A cross sectional study on bovine fasciolosis was carried out from October 2009 to April 2010 at Arba Minch Municipal abattoir with the aim of determining the prevalence and estimating financial loss. Out of the total 600 cattle examined during the study period, 203 were positive for Fasciola spp. infection with the prevalence rate of 33.83%. Fasciola gigantica was found to be the predominant Fasciola species affecting cattle slaughtered in the study area, 179 (88.18%) of the total livers positive for bovine fasciolosis were infected by F. gigantica, while 15 ( 7.39%) livers had F. hepatica and 9 (4.43) were infected by both species (Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica). From positive livers for the parasite, 44.33, 33.50 and 22.17% of the livers had slight, moderate and severe gross lesions, respectively. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of fasciolosis (P<0.01) among different body conditions and also among different origins. Higher prevalence of the parasite was observed in animals with poor body condition and lowland origin. The total estimated annual financial losses due to fasciolosis in the abattoir during the study period was726,561.5 ETB ($52,649.38 US) of which 49,493.29 ETB ($3,586.47 USD) was due to liver condemnation (direct) and 677,068.21 ETB ($49,062.91 USD) was because of carcass weight loss (indirect). The estimated annual financial loss showed that fasciolosis is an economically important disease in the abattoir. Therefore, there is a need for further detailed studies on the epidemiology of the disease and snail intermediate hosts found in the area and strategic measure should be taken to control the disease.

Key words: Abattoir, Arba Minch, cattle, Ethiopia, Fasciolosis, financial loss, prevalence.