Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis and Identification of Risk Factors in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

AbstractBovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of cattle caused by the ingestion of liver fluke metacercariae from the genusFasciola. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022, encompassing a total of 384 cattle randomly selected from diverse locations. The study included cattle of all ages and both sexes, with the aim of assessing the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and identifying associated risk factors in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. To detect fluke eggs, fecal tests were performed, and the data was analyzed using a descriptive statistics. The overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 49.21%. Based on origin, Sebatamit had the most incidence at 61.84%, followed by Kebele 11 at 59.37%, Tikurit at 50%, and Latammba at 27.65%. Statistical analysis revealed significant disparities in occurrence among areas. Cattle in poor condition had the largest prevalence (64%), followed by medium condition (50%) and fat cattle (26.96%). This variation was statistically significant. Age-group analysis revealed comparable prevalence rates, with young cattle at 50.38%, adults at 47.33%, and elderly cattle at 50.47%, with no significant differences found. There were no significant sex variations in prevalence, with males exhibiting a prevalence of 49.73% and females 48.73%. Local cattle had a slightly higher prevalence (51.62%) than crossbreds (46.15%), although the difference was not statistically significant (P> 0.05). These findings highlight the need for targeted, location-specific control measures and emphasize the importance of maintaining good nutritional and health management practices to reduce the burden of fasciolosis in cattle populations.