Occurrence and Distribution of Fasciola in Cattle Slaughtered on the Mambilla Plateau, Sardauna Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and F. gigantica, poses significant zoonotic and economic threats to cattle production in tropical highlands like Nigeria's Mambilla Plateau. This study assessed prevalence and distribution in 515 cattle slaughtered at Gembu (70.7%) and Nguroje (29.3%) abattoirs, Sardauna LGA, Taraba State, during the rainy season (May–October 2025). Post-mortem liver inspections identified adult flukes in 92 (17.86%) cases. Gallbladder bile revealed eggs in 147 (28.54%), and fecal sedimentation detected eggs in 141 (27.38%). Prevalence was higher in bile than liver or feces, reflecting egg accumulation patterns. No significant differences occurred by abattoir (liver: χ²=0.067, p=0.796; bile: χ²=2.187, p=0.139; feces: χ²=3.279, p=0.070), sex (females 91.3% of sample; liver males 17.8% vs. females 17.9%, p=0.987), or age (<2 years: liver/gallbladder 50%; >5 years: feces 24.9%; p>0.05). However, adult liver flukes correlated significantly with gallbladder eggs (Pearson's, p<0.05), validating necropsy diagnostics. Bile examination proved most sensitive, though limited to slaughter settings. Findings exceed Jalingo abattoir rates (8.29%, 2024) but align with global bovine averages (17%) and prior Mambilla data, attributed to prolonged rainfall (>1,850 mm/year), altitude (1,850 m), and snail habitats. Higher bile/fecal rates link to intermittent shedding during peak transmission. Compared to national studies (e.g., 40.5% Bauchi), lower rates reflect topographic dilution of eggs. Implications include liver condemnation losses and productivity declines (20% weight loss). Recommendations include seasonal anthelmintics, snail control, farmer education. Further molecular genotyping and live diagnostics (coproELISA) needed for control.