Fasciolosis in sheep and goats slaughtered at abattoirs in Central Ethiopia and associated financial losses

Fasciolosis is a serious animal health problem in Ethiopia where livestock is crucial for the domestic economy. A study was conducted in two Ethiopian abattoirs to estimate the prevalence of Fasciola infection in goats and sheep, and the monetary losses resulting from liver condemnation. Post-mortem examination of 925 animals (424 sheep and 501 goats) were examined by incision of the liver parenchyma for presence of the liver fluke, Fasciola. The direct financial losses were calculated based on the estimated prevalence, the market price of the liver, and the average number of sheep and goats slaughtered annually. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 10.4% (20.7% sheep and 1.6% goats). Among the studied variables, species of the study animal and age in sheep showed a statistically significant association with infection (p < 0.05). Based on the annual average of 89,054 sheep and 76,374 goats slaughtered, the annual average economic loss due to the condemned liver was estimated at 3700 US$ (185,232 ETH Birr) for sheep and 245 US$ (12,220 ETH Birr) for goats.

This study revealed that the prevalence of fasciolosis was higher in sheep than in goats, and substantial economic losses occur for the sheep and goat industry. Hence, considering the irrigations schemes in the country, strategic control programs targeting Fasciola infection and intermediate hosts are warranted.