Prevalence of Bovine Fasciolosis in Ethiopia, 2010–2024: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Bovine fasciolosis is a neglected zoonotic and economically crucial parasitic disease of cattle caused by Fasciola spp. However, estimates of the overall prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Ethiopia are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the overall prevalence of bovine fasciolosis nationally by a systematic review and meta‐analysis of 51 studies from 2010 to 2024 in Ethiopia. The information from the present study is considered of great relevance to policymakers, development planners, one‐health, and animal health practitioners. The data were gathered using different electronic databases through Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, and nonelectronic material searches of the thesis, journals, symposiums, abstracts, and reports. Studies that met the inclusion criteria for bovine fasciolosis infections under the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analyses (PRISMA) checklist were analyzed. Of the total number of studies found ( n = 959), 51 studies met the criteria and were included in the review. Point estimate prevalence and subgroup analyses based on potential risk factors and diagnostic techniques were evaluated at 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For the meta‐analysis, 51 studies were assessed using a random‐effects model for samples from each study population. The overall estimated prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Ethiopia is 29% (95% CI: 25–33). The estimated prevalence of bovine fasciolosis among different regions was significant using the random‐effects model ( x 2 = 72.46, p < 0.01). During the study period of 2017–2024, the prevalence rate of bovine fasciolosis was 32% (95% CI: 25–39) and was higher than during the study period of 2010–2016, which was 26% (95% CI: 22–31) ( x 2 = 1.62, p value 0.2). Estimated regression was conducted for sample size moderators, and the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis increased with increasing sample size (above 386) was found to be significant ( Q = 3.98, Z = 1.996, p < 0.046), and statistically significant differences were found ( p < 0.05). This study revealed widespread bovine fasciolosis in different regions of Ethiopia. Further studies should be conducted to get region‐by‐region prevalence estimates to associate with altitude and precipitation and to explore other risk factors; finally, it is necessary to develop standard diagnostic methods to conduct national surveillance and control programs to tackle zoonotic fasciolosis.