Prevalence and Financial Losses Associated with Bovine Fasciolosis on Cattle Slaughtered at Masha Municipal Abattoir, South-west Ethiopia

A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July 2016 to determine the prevalence and its associated financial losses of bovine fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Masha municipal abattoir, Sheka Zone, South-West Ethiopia. A total of 270 animals’ livers were examined, from which 114 were found positive for liver fluke infection (fasciolosis) with an overall prevalence of 42.2%. The prevalence of fasciolosis has shown variations between animals originating from the four different kebeles. The highest prevalence was 65.15% (n=66) noted in animals originated from Attile kebele, and the least 13.8% (n=72) in cattle from Keja. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in prevalence of fasciolosis between cattle originating from the four kebeles. The study has found slightly higher prevalence 45.61% in females (45.6%, n=52) than males (39.7%, n=62). Sex has no statistically significant (p>0.05) influence on the prevalence of fasciolosis. The prevalence of fasciolosis was analysed by body condition score (Bcs) and there was significantly (p<0.05) higher infection (53.6%) in animals with poor body condition than with good body condition (32.41%). The study shows that prevalence of fasciolosis was 54.31% on adult and 33.11% on older cattle. There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) in prevalence between the two age groups. Based on the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in the current study, the direct financial loss resulted from livers condemned due to fasciolosis during the 60 days of study period was estimated at 34200 ETB. Likewise, the annual financial loss was extrapolated to be 171000 ETB (5700.65 USD). The study has recommended that farmers should be made more aware of the fact that fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in the study area with additional financial loss from condemnation of affected livers. Appropriate methods of controlling fasciolosis should be adopted that include regular deworming of cattle with correct doses and regime; and the use of moliuscicides to kill snails in the breeding places where cattle graze.