Abstract

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence, the amplitude of liver condemnation, and to estimate the economic impact of bovine fasciolosis at Mekelle Municipal Abattoir. Out of 1000 cattle examined, 352 (35.2%) were found positive for fasciolosis. Based on severity of tissue damage the liver is categorized in to three: lightly affected 80 (22.7%), moderately 118 (33.5%), and 154 (43.7%) were severely affected. From the fluke count made on 50% of examined livers a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 193 flukes an overall mean load of 62 flukes per infected liver observed. There was a strong relationship between body condition and fluke burden. Comparing moderately and severely affected livers shows that less fluke burden (Mean = 73) in severely-affected liver and higher in moderately affected livers (Mean = 91). The species were identified on all the 352 livers and revealed the presence of Fasciola hepatica in 52%, F. gigantica in 21.9%, mixed infection by both species in 14.5% and immature fluke in 11.6%. Economic loss assessment was carried out on the basis of liver condemnation rates and carcass weight loss of slaughtered animals. Fasciolosis is of significant economic importance as the resultant liver condemnations caused an average loss of 2245 USD per annum. Hence, this disease deserves serious attention by the various stakeholders in order to improve livestock productivity of the study area in particular and the country at large. Finally, changing the livestock production system and strategic application of ante-helminthes were recommended.