Prevalence and Morphometric Characterization of Fasciolosis in Cattle Slaughtered at Zaria Abattoir, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Abstract

Fasciolosis is an important food-borne zoonotic helminth disease caused by liver flukes of the genus Fasciola. The disease affects the liver and bile ducts of ruminants, resulting in substantial economic losses through reduced productivity and condemnation of infected livers at slaughter. This study determined the prevalence of fasciolosis among different breeds of cattle slaughtered at Zangon Shanu Abattoir, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and characterized the recovered flukes using morphological and morphometric techniques. Bile samples were examined for Fasciola eggs using the formalin–ether sedimentation technique. An overall prevalence of 50.5% (101/200) was recorded. Infection was more frequent among female (54.81%; 57/104) than in male cattle (45.83%; 44/96). Breed-specific prevalence was 56.52% (13/23) in Sokoto Gudali, 50.34% (75/149) in White Fulani (Bunaji), 46.67% (7/15) in Red Bororo, and 46.15% (6/13) in Crosses. Age-related prevalence increased from 6.82% (3/44) in cattle aged 1.0–1.5 years to 52.17% (36/69), 66.67% (40/60), and 81.48% (22/27) in the 2.0–2.5, 3.0–3.5, and 4.0–5.0 years age groups, respectively. Morphometric analysis showed a mean cone length of 3.68 ± 0.08 mm and a body length-to-body width ratio of 3.83 ± 0.21, with measurements largely comparable to published reference values for F. gigantica while exhibiting intermediate characteristics between F. hepatica and F. gigantica. The findings indicate that fasciolosis remains highly prevalent among cattle slaughtered in Zaria and provide baseline epidemiological and morphometric data to support surveillance and control programmes in northwestern Nigeria.