BOVINE HEPATIC FASCIOLOSIS OF OUTRIGHT CONDEMNATION IN THE MAIDUGURI MUNICIPAL ABATTOIR AND ITS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE

Abstract

The fasciolosis which warrant outright condemnation of cattle livers has been shown to be 1154 percent of livers of the cattle slaughtered at the Maiduguri Municipal abattoir. The livers condemned outright have been kept to a minimum. Of the actual losses which the disease cause, only 46 percent was manifest to the butchers in condemnation of livers, the other losses (54 percent) in costs due to weight loss are not appreciated because the I losses are not visible. The annual estimated loss due to fasciolosis in Nigeria is between 16.4 to 20.9 million U.S. dollars, but the cost of chemoprophylaxis would be much less. The Central Government is in a position to plan and execute control measure in future using veterinarians in private practice.