Summary
This cross-sectional survey of 686 cattle from 65 households in Kwara State, Nigeria, found that Fasciola gigantica was highly prevalent (74.9%), with significant co-infections alongside paramphistomes. Adult cattle were significantly more likely to harbour F. gigantica than weaners (OR: 1.94), and herd size emerged as a risk factor for Dicrocoelium hospes infection. The findings highlight the substantial burden of trematode infections in Nigerian cattle herds and the importance of herd-level management factors in disease epidemiology.
UK applicability
Whilst Fasciola gigantica is endemic to tropical regions and uncommon in the United Kingdom, Fasciola hepatica is a significant concern in UK cattle and sheep. The study's methodological approach to identifying herd-level risk factors through cross-sectional survey may have limited direct application to UK conditions, though the emphasis on herd management and water access as infection drivers is universally relevant to fasciolosis control.
Key measures
Prevalence of Fasciola gigantica, paramphistomes, Dicrocoelium hospes and Schistosoma bovis; faecal egg counts; packed cell volume (PCV); FAMACHA© anaemia score; odds ratios for infection by age, herd size and household head characteristics
Outcomes reported
The study determined the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica and other trematode infections in cattle, and identified herd-level and household-level risk factors associated with infection. Infections were detected via faecal and blood sampling, with logistic regression used to identify significant risk factors.
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