Bovine fascioliasis risk factors and space-time clusters in Mymensingh, Bangladesh

Abstract A hospital-based case-control study was undertaken to identify risk factors for - and space-time clusters of - bovine fascioliasis in Mymensingh, Bangladesh. Fascioliasis cases diagnosed using fecal sample test between January 2006 and December 2015 ( n  = 593) at the Bangladesh Agricultural University Veterinary Teaching Hospital (BAUVTH) and three controls per case ( n  = 1563) were selected. Data on date of report, location, age, breed, sex and body weight were extracted from the hospital records. A mixed multivariable logistic regression model with location as a random effect was built to identify risk factors for fascioliasis. The scan statistic (Bernoulli model) was used to identify space-time clusters. Compared to cattle ≤ 1 year of age, the odds of fascioliasis were 5.2- (95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.6–7.4), 6.1- (95% CI: 4.2–8.7) and 10.7-times (95% CI: 6.9–16.6) greater in cattle aged > 1–3, > 3–8 and > 8 years, respectively. The odds of fascioliasis were 1.4- (95% CI: 1.03–1.99) and 1.5-times (95% CI: 1.13–2.11) greater in post-monsoon and monsoon seasons, respectively, compared to winter. Five significant ( P  1 year, especially those > 8 years). Importantly, we have demonstrated high-risk periods (monsoon and post-monsoon) and disease hotspots of bovine fascioliasis. Focusing disease control efforts in time and space offers an opportunity to more effectively control bovine fascioliasis in Bangladesh and in other similar geo-climatic zones throughout the world.