Fasciolosis Prevalence in Sacrificial Cattle of West Sumatra, Indonesia

Abstract

Fasciola is a species of the trematode genus that can cause devastating parasitic disease, namely fasciolosis. Fasciola spp. infestation can affect ruminants, such as cows, buffaloes, goats, and sheep, resulting in economic losses to livestock owners. Ruminants are the definitive host for the Fasiola species. This cross-sectional research was conducted on Eid al-Adha/Qurban in July 2022 to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in sacrificial cattle in Fifty Cities District, West Sumatra, Indonesia. A total of 106 samples of sacrificial cattle liver from the abattoir were investigated. Examination of the liver for the presence of Fasciola spp. was carried out by postmortem examination by removing the liver from the abdominal cavity immediately after slaughter. The livers of all sacrificial cattle were examined by systematic inspection, palpation, and incision for Fasciola spp. infestation. Necropsy results of samples indicated the prevalence of Fasciola spp. (36.79%), which was higher in female animals, compared to males. Based on age, the highest prevalence was at the age of > 4 years, (52.95%), followed by 2 years (39.62%) and 3 years (25.00%). Regarding the cattle breed, the highest prevalences were indicated in Pesisir cattle (47.61%), Simmental cattle (44.44%), Bali cattle (37.28%), Ongole cattle (20%), and Limousine cattle (14.28%). This study revealed that fasciolosis in sacrificial animals in Fifty Cities, West Sumatra, was influenced by gender. Therefore, the findings of this study suggest improving treatment protocol for the prevention of fasciolosis in sacrificial animals.