Prevalence and economic significance of bovine fasciolosis in Nekemte Municipal abattoir

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November, 2011 to March, 2012 at Nekemte municipal abattoir to assess prevalence and economic significance of bovine fasciolosis. Out of 384 cattle examined at post mortem, 21.9% (84) were positive for fasciolosis. The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was found to be significantly affected (P 0.05) affecting the prevalence of disease. The prevalence of Fasciola hepatica was 14.1% (54), which was predominant among Fasciola species, causing bovine fasciolosis in the study areas. Whereas, the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica was 5.2% (20), and 2.6% (10) animals were mixed infected. The economic significance of bovine fasciolosis was also assessed based on condemned livers. Thus, based on retail value of bovine liver, the direct economic loss from fasciolosis during the study time was estimated to be 63072 ETB annually.   Key words: Cattle, economic significance, Fasciola gigantica, Fasciola hepatica, prevalence, post mortem examination.