Economic impact of high burden of fascioliassis in FCT, caused by damage to liver

Abstract

Fascioliasis disease is economically significant to domestic farm animals and causes substantial economic losses in the livestock business via liver condemnation, livestock death, and reduced meat production. Lower growth rate and feed conversion rates in fattening cows are the causes of losses. The aim of this study was to determine the economic impact of high burden of fascioliasis due to damaged livers in FCT Abattoirs, Nigeria. A total of 1,654 slaughtered cattles were examined and the feacal samples microscopically examined using sedimentation technique for identification of ova of fasciola. Infected livers were incised and adult parasite expressed, counted and preserved in 70% ethanol. The study found a 30.00% prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle, with 291 cases (59.00%) of trimmed, damaged livers, 129 (27.41%) partially condemned livers, and 70 (14.25%) totally condemned livers. Economic losses due to liver damage were significant, totaling N1, 050,000 ($2,409.12), including N 340,000 from partial and N 710,000 from total condemnations. In total, 200 cattle had condemned livers. These results highlight the financial burden of fascioliasis on livestock production and emphasize the need for effective control measures. The study on Fasciolagigantica infections in cattle reported a 63.00% prevalence (308 cases) of adult parasites in livers and 37.00% (182 cases) of ova in fecal samples. Mixed infections were found in 20.25% (335 cases) of cattle from January to December. Chi-square analysis showed no significant monthly variation (p<0.05), regardless of season. The findings underscore notable economic losses from liver condemnation. To address this, the study suggests regular deworming, improved husbandry, and awareness campaigns, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.