Epidemiology and economic importance of fasciolosis of domestic ruminants in selected districts of Tigray Region, Ethiopia

An epidemiological study on fasciolosis of domestic ruminants was conducted in four Districts of Tigray Regional State to determine prevalence, identify Fasciola species, assess risk factors and evaluate economic loss. A total of 1708 domestic ruminants were sampled for coprological investigation; in addition 236 slaughtered ruminants were examined at post mortem. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis in domestic ruminants was 21.2% (95% CI: 15.8-26.9%) and 32.6% (95% CI: 29.7–35.6%) based on coprology and post mortem examinations, respectively. The prevalence in cattle, sheep and goats was 25.3%, 35.7% and 11.4% respectively, based on coprology. The highest prevalence was recorded in Ofla District (41.9%) and the lowest in Alamata District (10.8%). The prevalence was higher in the highland (67.9%) than the midland (17.4%) and the lowland (14.4%); aged animals, and in poor than good body condition in all species. The prevalence of F. hepatica was 73.1% and 62.7%, and F. gigantica 26.9% and 37.3% by egg and fluke examination, respectively. Statistically significant difference was observed in prevalence among districts, animal agro-ecology, age, and Fasciola species (p<0.05); while no significant association was observed between sexes in animal species (p>0.05). The odd of having fasciolosis in the highland than the lowland was more than 4 times higher (OR= 4.77), similarly the risk in sheep compared with goats was higher by more than 4 times (OR=4.33). During the five years period, out of 11,966 inspected livers, 22.62% were condemned due to fasciolosis. The annual direct and indirect economic loss incurred due to fasciolosis in the study area was estimated to be 286,536.21 Ethiopian Birr (31837.36 USD). Out of the total losses 80.9% was from cattle. The present study revealed a high infection of domestic ruminants by Fasciola species especially in the highland resulting in huge economic losses, hence, intervention to mitigate fasciolosis is required.Keywords: Coprology, Fasciola spp, Risk factors, Post-mortem, Prevalence, Tigray Regio