Economic Significance of Fasciolosis at Mettu Municipal Abattoir, Southwest Ethiopia

A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and economic significance of fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Mettu town municipal abattoir, Southwest Ethiopia. A total of 663 animals were randomly selected from the indigenous zebu cattle brought to the abattoir during October 2008-May 2009. Retrospective assessment, Ante-mortem examinations, body condition scoring and Post-mortem inspections were performed to collect data. Out of the total examined animals 47.1% (312/663) were found positive for Fasciola parasites. Two species of Fasciola: Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica were detected with prevalences of 26.9% (178/663) and 11.8% (78/663), respectively, mixed infections by both species were 4.8% (32/663) and immature (unidentified) flukes were 3.5% (24/663) of the total infections. The difference in prevalence of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica was found to be significant (P=0.000). Prevalence of the disease was also determined in relation to body condition score of the sample animals whereby 319 and 344 animals were categorized under Good and Medium body condition score sub-groups, respectively. It was found that 41.7% (133/319) of the Good score animals and 52% (179/344) of the medium score animals were positive for Fasciola parasites, and the difference in prevalence between the two sub-groups was statistically significant (P=0.008). The annual direct economic loss due to liver condemnation and the annual indirect economic loss due to carcass weight reduction were estimated to be 4,757.00 USD (47,570.00 birr) and 46,615.00 USD (466,150.00 birr), respectively; hence, the total economic loss due to fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered at Mettu municipal abattoir was estimated to be 51,372.00 USD (513,720.00 birr). In conclusion, bovine fasciolosis due to Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica was observed to be an economically important disease in Mettu and its surrounding districts. Further studies on small ruminant species and local epidemiology of the disease are suggested to enable control of the infection in the area.