Prevalence and associated risk factors assessment of bovine fasciolosis in and around Bahir Dar, Ethiopia

Bovine fasciolosis is a parasitic disease of cattle caused by ingesting metacercariae of liver flukes from the genus Fasciola. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2021 to April 2022, encompassing a total of 384 cattle randomly selected from diverse locations. The study included cattle of various ages and genders, aiming to to determine the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and its associated risk factors in and around Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Fecal examinations were performed to detect fluke eggs, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in STATA Version 20.0 to summarize bovine fasciolosis prevalence. Chi-square tests assessed relationships with infection rates and risk factors, with significance set at P < 0.05. Out of 384 fecal samples analyzed, 49.21% tested positive for Fasciola eggs. The prevalence of the condition varied significantly by origin, with rates of 50% in Tikurit, 61.84% in Sebatamit, 27.65% in Latammba, and 59.37% in Kebele 11. In terms of body condition, prevalence was notably higher in cattle classified as poor (64%) compared to those in medium condition (50%) and fat cattle (26.96%), with these differences being statistically significant. Age also influenced prevalence, with young cattle having a rate of 50.38%, adults 47.33%, and old cattle 50.47%; however, these differences were not statistically significant. Sex did not significantly impact prevalence, with males at 49.73% and females at 48.73%. Additionally, local cattle exhibited a prevalence of 51.62%, whereas crossbreeds had a prevalence of 46.15%, with no significant differences observed between these groups (p < 0.05). The persistently high rates of bovine fasciolosis highlight the urgent need for comprehensive control measures. Implementing enhanced management practices to minimize cattle exposure to contaminated pastures and water sources is essential for effective prevention and control of this parasitic infection.