Seizures of livers due to fasciolosis in cattle slaughtered in a slaughterhouse in Villa Clara, Cuba. 2016-2020

Abstract

Fasciolosis is one of the most important causes of reduction in milk production, growth and fertility in cattle and causes considerable economic losses generated by liver seizures in slaughterhouses. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of livers seized by Fasciola hepatica in the Lorenzo Gonzales bovine slaughterhouse in Sagua la Grande municipality in Villa Clara province, Cuba. A retrospective observational analysis of the seizures of livers by F. hepatica in the period 2016-2020 was carried out. The prevalence, seasonality, trend and enzootic channels of the occurrence of livers seizures due to fasciolosis in slaughtered cattle were determined. In addition, the annual economic losses as a consequence of fasciolosis seizures were estimated. The sanitary impact of seizures due to fasciolosis showed a prevalence of 18.93%, which is a reflection of the epizootic situation of the units of origin. Losses due to liver seizures as a consequence of F. hepatica infestation amounted to 1 088 532 cup in the five-year period evaluated. The trend in the incidence of F. hepatica seizures is decreasing and shows a marked seasonal pattern in the months of March, April, May, June, October, November and December. The usual expected behavior of F. hepatica seizures of livers in the Sagua bovine slaughterhouse for a period of five years shows a wide range of monthly occurrences.