Prevalence of Liver Fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in Sheep and Goats Slaughtered at Katsina Central Abattoir, Katsina State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica) in sheep and goats slaughtered at Katsina Central Abattoir, Katsina State. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) bile samples comprising seventy-five (75) from sheep and seventy-five (75) from goats were collected at daily intervals for a period of four weeks. The bile samples were analyzed using sedimentation technique to determine the presence of liver fluke (Fasciola hepatica). Results revealed the prevalence of liver fluke infection in sheep as 19.35% in males and 25% in females, while in goats, the prevalence was 18.51% in males and 14.58% in females, respectively. In relation to age in sheep, those within the age range of 5-9 months had the highest prevalence (9.33%), and in goats, those within the age range of 10-14 months had the highest prevalence (6.66%). There were no significant statistical associations (p>0.05) between infection of Fasciola hepatica and sex, as well as age in both sheep and goats slaughtered at Katsina Central Abattoir during the period of this study. There is the need for preventive measures to be taken by the government, herdsmen, and other stakeholders in order to prevent damages caused by liver fluke in sheep and goats bred in the study area.