Cross-sectional study of prevalence and economic importance of bovine fasciolosis at Kombolcha Elfora Abattoir, Amhara Region, Northern Ethiopia

The study was conducted from October 2024 to June 2025 at the Kombolcha ELFORA abattoir and Processing Plant to assess the prevalence and economic impact of bovine Fasciolosis in cattle sourced from three agroecological zones in northern Ethiopia. From the 382 examined bovine samples, 184 faecal samples (48.17%) and 195 livers (51.05%) tested positive for Fasciolosis. Infection rates were highest in cattle with poor body condition (51.55% in faecal samples and 54.64% in livers), followed by medium (47.62% and 50%) and good body condition groups (20% and 25%, respectively), with significant differences observed between groups (p < 0.05). Breed and body condition were significantly associated with liver infection (p = 0.031 and p = 0.039, respectively). Species distribution varied by agroecology: among the 195 positive cattle, 83.56% and 16.44% of F. hepatica were from Dega and Weynadega, respectively; 94% and 6% of F. gigantica were from Kola and Weynadega; and all mixed infections (100%) occurred in Weynadega, showing significantly associated (P < 0.05) Fasciola species prevalence with agroecological variations. The direct and indirect financial losses due to bovine Fasciolosis at the Kombolcha ELFORA abattoir were estimated at approximately 7,218,521.05 Ethiopian birr per quarter. The study concluded that Fasciolosis is highly prevalent in cattle and imposes significant economic burdens, emphasising the necessity of targeted interventions by stakeholders and government authorities to support the beef industry in the region and across Ethiopia.