Seroprevalence of fasciola hepatica in small ruminants of District Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

Fascioliasis, caused by Fasciola (F.) hepatica, affects a large number of animals in terms of morbidity, production losses, treatment cost and high mortality rate. Economic losses of about 3.6 billion US$ per year have been reported due to this parasite throughout the world. The present study was planned to investigate the prevalence and related risk factors of F. hepatica in sheep and goat population in District Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan. To this end, a total of 384 serum samples were collected from sheep and goats in different tehsils of District and examined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) by using Excretory/Secretary antigen coated plates. A predesigned questionnaire was also used to collect the data of related risk factors. The overall prevalence of fascioliasis in the small ruminant population was 37.24%. The highest prevalence was observed in tehsil Talla Gang, followed by Chakwal, Kallar Kahar and Choa Saiden Shah. Fascioliasis was more prevalent in females as compared to males. According to age groups, the prevalence was higher in animals with 6-12 months of age. At the species level, sheep had higher prevalence as compared to goats and this prevalence was higher in animals went for grazing than those fed through stalls. Among different breeds of goats, Teddy breed had a higher prevalence of F. hepatica than those of Beetal and mixed breeds of goat.