Fascioliasis in Cattle Slaughtered for Human Consumption in Minna Metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria ?4

Abstract

A survey was conducted to determine the prevalence and intensity of fascioliasis among cattle slaughtered for human consumption in Minna metropolis, Niger State, Nigeria. A total of 405 cattle were examined for twenty one weeks in the months of May-September, 2012, for fascioliasis. The result showed that 131 cattle were infected with Fasciola gigantica, giving the overall prevalence rate of 32.3% in Minna. The overall Geometric Mean Intensity (GMI) of infection of 133.8 eggs per gram of faeces (epgf) was obtained. The study showed high prevalence rate and intensity of infection. There was no significant difference in prevalence of the disease between male (25.0) and female (39.2 %) (p > 0.05). The intensity of infections between male and female cattle was, however, significantly different, higher in cows (137.6 epgf) than in bulls (127.8 epgf) (p < 0.50). Only F. gigantica was encountered in the cattle studied. The high prevalence and intensity of infection observed in the study have serious economic implication on cattle production.