A study on prevalence of paramphistomum in cattle slaughtered in Gondar Elfora Abattoir, Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross sectional study was carried out from October 2010 to April 2011 in Gondar Elfora Abattoir to determine the prevalence of paramphistomosis in cattle (local, cross) breeds which were came from highland, mid highland and lowland areas. Three hundred eighty-four (384) cattle were included for routine ante-mortem and postmortem examination for the presence of paramphistomum. The parasite was examined grossly and under microscope to appreciate the morphology of adult paramphistomum. Out of 384 cattle examined, 199 (51.82%) were found to be positive for paramphistomosis. From 199 infected cattle fluke burden at organ level 125(62.81%) was in rumen, 40(20.1%) was in reticulum and 34(17.09%) was found mixed (rumen and reticulum). The existence of paraphistomum in respect to organ and origin, 56(44.80%) was in rumen and 20(50%) was found in reticulum predominantly in high and low land respectively. The highest infection of cattle with paramphistomum species was found during October to November. However, there is no statistical significance variation (p >0.05) between the prevalence of paramphistomum and that of origin, breed, and age groups of the animals. Integrated control approach using selected anthelmintic therapy and snail control to reduce the magnitude of the problem was suggested as a recommendation. Key words: Elfora abattoir, cattle, Gondar, paramphistomosis, prevalence