PREVALENCE OF LIVER FLUKE INFECTIONS IN TRADE CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AT THE NSUKKA MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR, IKPA, ENUGU STATE

Abstract

Fasciolosis and dicrocoeliasis are the commonest liver fluke infections encountered in cattle in Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence of these diseases in 250 randomly selected trade cattle slaughtered at the Nsukka municipal abattoir, Ikpa, from February to June 2017. Gall bladders and faeces were examined for the presence of liver flukes and their eggs. Prevalence rates of 6.8%, 44% and 10.8% were recorded for fasciolosis, dicrocoeliasis and mixed infections (fasciolosis and dicrocoeliasis) respectively. White Fulani breed of cattle was the most infected of the cattle breeds examined, having prevalence rates of 6%, 35% and 8.8% for fasciolosis, dicrocoelosis and mixed infections respectively. Adult cattle were more infected than the young ones. Findings also showed that bulls were more infected than cows. The
present study reports the presence of these diseases in trade cattle in the study area and the need for appropriate control measures. Results generated in this study contribute to existing knowledge in the distribution of fasciolosis and dicrocoeliasis in Nigeria which will be helpful in future research, disease control and public health education.