Patterns of trematode infection in gall bladder from cattle slaughtered at Isheri-Olofin, Ogun State, Nigeria

Abstract

A survey of gall-bladder of slaughtered cattle was carried out to determine variation pattern of trematode infection. A total of 1,240 gall-bladders of cattle were examined for trematode eggs and adult worms between August 2008 and March 2009. Fifty questionnaires were randomly administered to cattle handlers to investigate possible influence of knowledge, attitudes and practice in prevalence pattern of trematode parasites. Eggs and adults of two trematode species were identified. Overall prevalence of infection was 75.32%. The more prevalent D. hospes (60.24%), followed by Fasciola gigantica (45.16%). There was an inverse pattern in single infection, where F. gigantica prevalence declined, D. hospes prevalence inclined and a reverse pattern was observed between January and March. The prevalence of adult worms from the gall bladders were 2.26% and 6.69% for F. gigantica and D. hospes respectively. Chi-square analysis showed there was a significant difference in infection rate between the months of survey in single infection (p<0.05). A positive correlation (r = 0.61) was present between the egg load and adult worm in the gall bladder. The variation in intensity of infection with F. gigantica and D. hospes in relation to months of survey was not significant (p>0.05), but there was a similar trend in intensities of F. gigantica and D. hospes. Seventy-two percent of the cattle-handlers reported awareness of worms in liver of cattle and significant percentage (56%) grazed-cattle around streams particularly during the dry season. At the abattoir, 64% of the cattle-handlers claimed they seek prompt medical care immediately animals show signs of weakness or loss of appetite.

Keywords: trematode eggs, F. gigantica, D. hospes, prevalence.