Prevalence and Public Health Significance of Bovine Fascioliasis in Selected Sites of North Gondar Bordering Lake Tana
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2005-06
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Abstract
One thousand one hundred and seven local Zebu cattle in two Peasant Associations of Dembia wereda, North Gondar Administrative Zone bordering Lake Tana were examined from September, 2004 to February, 2005. The primary objective was to determine fascioliasis prevalence, characterize hepatic lesions and compare its relationship to parasite burden and faecal egg output, to see the seasonal fluctuation in snail density and magnitude of cerceriae shedding ones. In addition, retrospective data of hospital records were also studied to have a picture of the disease on its public health point of view. Prevalence was determined through coprological examination. For hepatic lesion studies in the abattoir and malacological studies on snails, standard procedures described in texts were implemented.
Prevalence was 79.1%. Among the potential risk factors considered, season and age were found to affect the occurrence of fascioliasis significantly (p < 0.05). The monthly prevalence of the disease was peak in the late rainy season (82%). Similarly, egg output (EPG) was significantly (p<0.05) influenced by season and age group where highest burden in the late rainy season and in animals aging between 1.5-5 years old.
Out of 200 total livers examined, 53(26.5%) were lightly, 71(35.5%) moderately and 76 (38%) severely affected. Low fluke count (60) was observed in severely affected livers than in moderately (96) affected ones. There is no significant association between fluke burden and intensity of hepatic lesion(r=0.020, p>0.05) and also an inverse correlation between liver lesion and faecal egg output (r=-0.04, p>0.05).
All (100%) of the collected snails were Lymnaea truncatula 76% of the snails were found infected. The highest snail density and cerceriae shedding prevalence were obtained in the month of September. Comparison of density and infection proportion with the existing bionomic factors showed that there exists a strong functional relationship between them.
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Retrospective data study of hospital records showed the lack of awareness about the disease but clinical symptoms and the epidemiology of the disease revealed its high public health significance in the study area. The results of the study are discussed in comparison with findings of workers in Ethiopia and abroad.
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Bovine, Prevalence, Fascioliasis, Public Health