Comparative prevalence of fasciola hepatica and fasciola gigantica in cattle slaughtered at Soroti city abattoir

Abstract

Liver fluke infection, or fascioliasis, is one of the most significant parasite disorders that affect humans, cattle, and other ruminant animals. For cattle ranchers and traders, fascioliasis results in significant financial losses that are frequently disregarded. Fascioliasis prevalence in cattle killed at the Soroti City Abattoir in Uganda was compared between the two common species (F. gigantica and F. hepatica). During the study period, 250 cattle in total were sampled. By looking at the animals' phenotypic traits, the sex and origin of the animals were ascertained. By evaluating the eruption and wear of permanent teeth, age was ascertained. Following slaughter, the liver was inspected visually, palpated, and cut to check for the presence of liver flukes, or Fasciola spp. The existence of mature Fasciola spp. was also investigated in the gall bladder and bile ducts. Of the 250 liver examined, results revealed an overall prevalence of 44.8%, with 112 cattle testing positive for Fasciola species. The study identified a higher prevalence of Fasciola gigantica (n=76) compared to Fasciola hepatica (n=10), with 26 cases exhibiting mixed infections. No significant differences in prevalence were observed between sexes (P>0.772), although males (67.86%) exhibited a higher prevalence than females (32.14%). In conclusion, the study highlighted a 44.8% prevalence of fascioliasis, predominantly due to Fasciola gigantica. To mitigate its impact on cattle health, ongoing surveillance and targeted interventions are recommended, alongside enhanced awareness and improved management practices among farmers and veterinarians to effectively control liver fluke infections in the region.