Status of bovine fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis in cattle slaughtered in abattoirs, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study was conducted to investigate the current status of bovine fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis in cattle slaughtered in abattoirs, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Visits were paid to slaughtered houses to collect bile samples from slaughtered cattle between 6.00 and 8.00 a.m. on each sampling day. A total of 378 cattle were observed for the presence of Fasciola spp., and Dicrocoelium spp. Bile samples collected were processed using sedimentation methods and viewed under the microscope for the eggs of these parasites. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests were performed. An overall prevalence of 280(74.1%) was observed for Fasciola spp., the prevalence was higher at Abak abattoir, 118(80.8%) than Itam abattoir, 162(69.8%). Dicrocoelium spp. had an overall prevalence of 260(68.8%) with Itam abattoir having significantly higher prevalence of 172(74.1%) than Abak abattoir, 88(60.3%). Females [28(77.8%)] had higher prevalence of Fasciola spp. than males [252(73.7%)] while for Dicrocoelium spp, females [28(77.8%)] had higher prevalence than male [232(67.8%)]. The age group of 5-6 years had the highest prevalence of 58(85.3%) for Fasciola spp. and 52(76.5%) for Dicrocoelium spp. Significant difference was observed in the prevalence of Fasciola spp. according to age group. An overall coinfection of 222(58.7%) was observed between Fasciola spp. and Dicrocoelium spp. Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliosis are still endemic in Akwa Ibom State with very high prevalence, this calls for urgent measures in the handling of meat before consumption. Also, the need for proper ranching in the rearing of cattle should be adopted in the state.