Study on the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in hirna and its suroundings, western hararghe, Ethiopia

Abstract

Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantic, is one the most prevalent helminthes infections of ruminants in different parts of the district. It is one of the most important parasitic diseases that hamper livestock production in Ethiopia. Fasciolosis in cattle is considered to be of a great economic importance by both species of Fasciola. In Ethiopia, there is still a gap for many potential sites of the country and information is not available to review country wide prevalence and economic significance. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the objective of; to determining the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Hirna and its surrounding in western Hararghe based on coprological examinations. A total of 384 faecal samples were collected from different sites of the district. The faecal examination shows that out of the examined animals, 75(19.5%) were positive for fasciolosis. Fasciolosis is a common parasitic disease in the study site which are swampy or marshy grazing areas, prevailing favorable condition for the survival of intermediate host, snail. The tenth study site (Awujemijim, Burahisa, Gara-Qufa, Gamachis, Kira- Kufiss, Libu-Dukeb, Kufa-Kass, Oda-Nagaya, Oda-Belina and Reketa-Fura) prevalence rate as determined from faecal examination indicates a higher Libu-Dukeb (37.83%) followed by Oda-Belina (31.25%) and lower in Kufa-Kass (9.09%) and Burahisa (8.33%). Statistical analysis of the coprological result was made on the basis of sex and age. The influence of age on the prevalence of fasciolosis was found nil (P > 0.05). The result of the study indicated that sex has significant difference (χ2 = 8.71, P< 0.05) on the prevalence of fasciolosis. Based on selected site prevalence and local factors, appropriate control strategies pertinent to local situation have been designed and forwarded so as to reduce the disease problem on livestock production.