Abstract

A cross-sectional study was carried out from November 2009 to march 2010 on bovine fasciolosis in and around Assela and at Assela municipal abattoir to assess its prevalence and economic importance. From total of 400 cattle examined coprlogically 45.25 % (181) were found positive for fasciolosis. The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was higher in male cattle than females and also higher in younger cattle (gt; 3 yrs) than older ones (gt; 5 yrs). The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in the study sites was significantly (plt;0.05) affected by sex, age and months of the year, however, its prevalence was not significantly (pgt;0.05) affected by body conditions. Post mortem examination was done on a total of 183 cattle and 34.97% were found infected with Fasciola at Assela municipal Abattoi. F. hepatica was found to be the predominant facsiola species causing bovine fasciolsis in the study areas. The economic significance of bovine fasciolosis was also assessed from condemned liver and carcass weight loss. Thus based on the retail value of bovine liver and 1kg of beef the total annual economic loss from fasciolosis during the study time was estimated to be 698,700.6 Eth. Birr (51,909.4 USD).