A Retrospective Study on The Prevalence of Fasciola Infection in Sheep and Goats at Slaughter and Associated Economic Losses from Condemnation of Infected Liver in Maiduguri Abattoir, Nigeria

Abstract

A retrospective study on the prevalence of fasciolosis among small ruminants (sheep and goats) slaughtered at Maiduguri, metropolitan abattoir and the associated economic losses from condemnation of infected liver were estimated between January 2004-December 2009. Out of the 15, 113 sheep and 9, 617 goats examined during the period, 123(0.49{%}) and 70(0.28{%}) were infected with fasciolosis respectively. There was no statistical variation (P{>}0.05) on the prevalence of infection between the two species of ruminants. However according to age, out of the 3, 959 young sheep and 4, 417 young goats (12 months) examined, 20(0.13{%}) and 7(0.07{%}) were infected respectively. Similarly, out of the 11, 154 and 5, 200 adult sheep ({>}12 months) and goats examined, 103(0.68{%}) and 63(0.66{%}) were infected respectively. Among the sheep, the adults were found to be more infected than the young. Statistically, the difference was significant (p0.05). Meanwhile, among goats no statistical variation (p{>}0.05) existed between age groups. According to sex, out of the 7, 097 male sheep and 4, 839 male goats examined, 56(0.37{%}) and 25(0.26{%}) were infected with fasciolosis respectively. Similarly out of the 8, 016 females sheep and 4, 778 female goats examined, 67(0.44{%}) and 45(0.47{%}) were infected respectively. Among sheep, both male and female were equally infected (p{>}0.05). The difference was not significant. According to season, both sheep and goats were more infected during the rainy than the dry season. The difference was statistically significant (p0.05). The monthly prevalence also showed peak infections in July and August for sheep and July for goats. The yearly financial loss in sheep due to liver condemnation for the period (2004-2009) was estimated at N 23, 616.00 while that of goats was N 8, 960.00. In conclusion, the results show that fasciolosis affects both sheep and goats in Maiduguri, Nigeria and is a major source of liver condemnation in small ruminants in the area.