Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis and Associated Risk Factors in Cattle Slaughtered at Zefine Town Municipal Abattoir, Boreda District of Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Fasciolosis is among the important parasitic diseases in tropical and subtropical countries which limit productivity of ruminants in particular cattle. A cross-sectional study was conducted from February to September 2024 at Zefine town municipal abattoir to determine the prevalence, associated risk factors and estimate economic importance of fasciolosis. A total of 384 cattle consisting of 354 males and 30 females were systematically selected and postmortem liver inspection for adult liver flukes was made. Out of the total 384 cattle slaughtered 93 animals were infected by fasciolosis and an overall prevalence of 24.2%. During the investigation Age of animals showed a significant association with disease prevalence (P<0.05), while sex, body condition score, breed and origin of animals showed a non- significant association (P>0.05). In present investigation the estimated economic loss caused by bovine fasciolosis was 580,800 ETB (5808 USD) annually. Hence, implementation of control and prevention strategy like, grazing managements, reducing the population of the intermediate host, diagnosis and treating sick animals using anthelmintic, is crucial.