Prevalence and Economic Losses of Bovine Fasciolosis in Dessie Municipal Abattoir, South Wollo Zone, Ethiopia

2 Abstract: A cross sectional study was carried out from October 2010 to March 2011 with the objectives of determining the prevalence, risk factor and economic importance of bovine fasciolosis in Dessie municipal abattoir. Over all prevalence of 25.2% (126 of 500) was observed. Based on origins of animals, prevalence rates of 30.51%, 28.4%, 25.81% and 19.77% were recorded in Kutaber, Worehimmenu, Dessie Zuria and Tewulederae, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the four study areas. Young animals were found with high prevalence (33.33%) followed by old animals (26.11%) and adult animals (24.7%). However, there was no statistically significant difference between the prevalence in the different age groups of animals. Prevalences of 63.29%, 18.62% and 17.75% were observed in animals of poor body condition, good body condition and medium body condition, respectively. The difference between the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in animal of different body conditions was statistically significant (p<0.05). Of 126 infected livers, 65.9%, 18.25%, 9.5% and 6.34% were infected with F.hepatica, F.gigantica, mixed and immature flukes, respectively. The prevalence of Fasciola species is different in different study areas and the highest prevalence of F. hepatica was observed in Kutaber (20.34%) followed by Dessie Zuria (17.74%) and the highest prevalence of F.gigantica was observed in Worehimmenu (9.88%) followed by Kutaber (2.54%). The direct and indirect losses incurred due to fasciolosis in Dessie municipal abattoir were estimated about 2,495,346.13 ETH Birr. It is concluded that fasciolosis is prevalent in cattle in the study area. Hence, this disease disserves serious attention by the various stake holders in order to promote the beef industry in the study area in particular and in general in the country.