Fasciola infection in goats slaughtered from Port Harcourt metropolis Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Aim: Fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease of public importance that affects animals and man. This study was aimed at assessing Fasciola infection among goats slaughtered in Port Harcourt metropolis. Materials and Methods: A total of 323 gallbladder and fecal samples were collected from three different abattoirs (Mile 3, Rumuokwurusi, and Trans-Amadi) between September 2015 and June 2016 and analyzed using standard parasitological method. Results: Of the 323 fecal samples, 20 (6.19%) were found to be positive for Fasciola egg. Mile 3 abattoir 17 (5.26%) had higher prevalence than Trans-Amadi abattoir 3(0.93%) while Rumuokwurusi had no infection (χ2=0.11; p=0.001). Gallbladder infection was 5.57%. Trans-Amadi abattoir had the highest prevalence of 11(3.41%) followed by Mile 3 abattoir 7(2.17%) and Rumuokwurusi abattoir had none (χ2=0.91; p=0.339). Infection based on gender showed that 5.88% of female animals and 0.31% of males were ova positive. At Trans-Amadi, 0.93% of females against 0.0% of males were infected (p > 0.05). At Mile 3, it was 4.95% of females against 0.31% of males (p=0.001). Rumuokwurusi abattoir had no infection. Gallbladder infection showed Trans-Amadi 2.79% of females and 0.62% of males; Mile 3, 2.17% of females and 0.0% of males and Rumuokwurusi had no infection. Conclusion: Fasciola infection is prevalent in goats in Port Harcourt. The health implication of these findings is that humans are at risk as fascioliasis is a zoonotic disease. There is a need to intensify effort to create more awareness of the possible consequence of this infection.