Coprological, Abattoir Survey and Economic Significance of Bovine Fascioliasis at Sylhet Region of Bangladesh

This study was conducted in the Sylhet division of Bangladesh with the aim of determining the prevalence of fascioliasis in cattle of different age groups, sex and in seasons as well as to assess risk factors and economic loss caused by this parasite. In this study, faeces and livers of male and female animals were collected randomly from different farms and slaughterhouse respectively during a period of one year (September 2016 to August 2017). Coprological examinations were performed by standard sedimentation technique and liver samples were examined by slicing the collected livers. A total of 613 faeces and 215 livers were examined of which 119 (19.41%) and 52(24.18%) were found to contain Fasciola gigantica respectively. Fasciola in feces and liver samples were observed significantly (P=0.002 and 0.018) higher in older animals of above 5 years estimating 25.64% and 36.36%, respectively. The lowest prevalence of feces samples was found in cattle of >3years of age (10.27%) and the animals aged between 3-5years (20.00%) in case of the liver sample. The prevalence was higher in females contributing 19.42% in feces and 26.66% liver samples. Among three seasons, the infection was found to be more during rainy season 23.66% and 33.03% in faeces and liver sample respectively. The present study indicates that fasciola infection in cattle associated with the age and sex of the animals; and seasons of the year. To control the disease in this area, appropriate preventive control strategies have to be designed to reduce the impact of the disease on livestock production in Bangladesh.