Prevalence of Paramphistomum and Its Associated Factors in Cattle Slaughtered at Boko Slaughterhouse, Fedis District, Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Bovine paramphistomosis is one of cattle’s most important parasitic diseases, causing mortality and economic losses in various parts of Ethiopia. Objectives: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Fedis District from April 2019 to October 2020 to determine the prevalence of Paramphistomum and its associated factors in cattle killed at Boko slaughterhouse. Methods: A total of 384 slaughtered cattle were selected by systematic random sampling. Then, a post-mortem examination of the rumen and reticulum was conducted to check the presence or absence of adult Paramphistomum. The parasite was examined macroscopically and microscopically to study the morphology of adult flukes. Results: Of 384 examined cattle, Paramphistomum was found in 156(40.6%). Of the 156 positive samples, 52.34%, 33.06%, and 14.6% were infected with Paramphistomum clavula, Paramphistomum cervi, and mixed infection, respectively. In this study, the highest infection rate was recorded in the wet season. Among assessed factors, body condition and origin of animals had significant correlations (P<0.05) with infection. Conclusion: This finding indicated the highest infection of Paramphistomum was recorded in cattle. Therefore, the farmers should practice mass deworming of animals using selected anthelmintic therapy for flukes.