Study on the Prevalence of Fascioliasis on Cattle Slaughtered at Minna Modern Abattoir, Niger State, Nigeria

Aims: Fascioliasis is a helminthic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Fasciola. This study determined the prevalence of fascioliasis on cattle slaughtered at Minna Modern Abattoir, Tayi village, Bosso Minna, Niger State of Nigeria.

Study Design: A cross sectional study was used to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis.

Place and Duration of Study: Four hundred faecal samples were collected from the rectum of slaughtered cattle between August through November 2016 at Minna Modern Abattoir located at Tayi village, Bosso Minna, Niger State of Nigeria.

Methodology: Faecal samples were examined using concentration by flotation techniques for the presence of Fasciola ova.

Results: Out of the 400 sampled examined, 169 (42.0%) were found to be positive with Fasciola. Based on breed, Bunaji breed recorded the highest infection rate 123 (44.0%) and Bakologi had the lowest infection rate 30 (36.0%). Statistical analysis of the data showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of fascioliasis among the three common cattle breeds in the area. The prevalence of Fasciolosis in males was found to be 79(45.0%), while the prevalence in females was 90(40.5%). There was no significant relationship (P > 0.05) between sex of the cattle and prevalence of the infection. Age related prevalence shows that there was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence of fascioliasis in the different age groups. A higher prevalence 167(45%) was in adult cattle and a lower prevalence 2(8%) was found in young animals. Other parasites such as Ascaris, Haemonchus, Bunostomum, Coccidia, were also recorded.

Conclusion: It is recommended that veterinary and health officers should inspect cattle slaughtered in Minna especially at Minna Modern Abattoir before public consumption.