Study on ovine fascioliasis: Case study, associated risk factors and economic significance at sheep and goat research program, Guthichaur, Jumla, Nepal

Abstract

Fascioliasis is an economically important zoonotic disease of domestic livestock, especially cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, horse, donkey, rabbit, wild ruminant and human. A cross-sectional investigation on ovine fascioliasis was carried out for six months in sheep of Sheep and Goat Research Program, Guthichaur, Jumla to determine prevalence of fascioliasis in sheep as well as to assess the major associated risk factors and its economic significance. Altogether 100 fecal samples (50 in March and 50 in June month) were collected randomly and tested for presence of eggs of Fasciola. Similarly antemortem inspection and slaughtered sheep examination were performed in 30 sheep for abnormality. Case study was conducted for deep study about fascioliasis and postmortem of 17 dead sheep was done to observe presence of liver fluke in liver and gall bladder. Major risk factors were identified and analysis was done from obtained data. Prevalence of ovine fascioliasis was recorded 34% in fecal test, 6.7% in slaughtered sheep and 23.5% in post mortem examinations. Mature fluke was present in liver and gall bladder of inspected sheep. Additionally major risk factors of diseases were identified and economic significance was assessed. This prevalence found in the study area could be due to the marshy and water-logged swampy area which is suitable for the breeding of intermediate host (snail). Integrated approach, which is a combination of selective chemotherapy and selective vector control, should be considered more practically and economically feasible.