Prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

A cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023 to estimate the prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in Bahir Dar town, northwest Ethiopia. A total of 298 cattle were selected randomly, and subsequent fecal samples were obtained for coprological examination. Schistosoma eggs were examined using sedimentation technique. A logistic regression model was employed to assess the association between risk factors and prevalence of schistosomiasis. Of the total of 298 fecal samples examined, 63 (21.1%) were found positive for Schistosoma bovis eggs. In the study, sex, breed, and management system were not significantly associated (p > 0.05) with the occurrence of bovine schistosomiasis. On the contrary, prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis showed significant variability (p < 0.05) amongst the different age and body condition groups. The study disclosed a significantly higher risk of bovine schistosomiasis in old cattle (AOR= 3.2; 95% CI: 1.4 - 7.0) and cattle with poor body condition (AOR=3.9; 95% CI: 1.5 - 10.2). The findings indicated a higher prevalence of Schistosoma bovis infection among older cattle and those with poor body condition. Therefore, it is recommended that husbandry-related risk factors be incorporated into disease control and prevention strategies.