PREVALENCE AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF FASCIOLA GIGANTICA AND HYDATID CYSTS IN CATTLE AND SHEEP AT ELDORET SLAUGHTERHOUSE, KENYA

Abstract

Fasciolosis and hydatidosis significantly affect livestock production globally, with a high prevalence in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep, along with the financial losses associated with organ condemnation and to assess the knowledge of farmers, meat sellers and meat inspectors about fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts in cattle and sheep, at Eldoret Slaughterhouse. A total of 479 cattle and 313 sheep carcasses were examined and various samples, including bile, faeces, and condemned organs, were analysed at the Veterinary Investigation Laboratory, Eldoret. Data were collected through systematic post-mortem inspection using visual examination, palpation, incision and laboratory analysis. The collected data were analysed using spss. The findings revealed a Fasciola gigantica prevalence of 91.77% in cattle and 58.58% in sheep. In cattle, 39.09% had Fasciola eggs in bile and 19.41% in faeces. Additionally, 19.83% whole and 13.5% partially trimmed livers of cattle were condemned. In sheep, 24.92% had Fasciola eggs in bile and 14.69% in faeces, with 11.82% of livers entirely condemned and 4.15% partially trimmed. Hydatidosis had a prevalence of 13.36% in cattle and 9.9% in sheep. Financial losses due to organ condemnation were substantial: KSh 329,580 from cattle livers and KSh 27,990 due to fasciolosis in cattle, while sheep-related losses amounted to KSh 29,520 for condemned livers and KSh 2,850 for hydatidosis-infected lungs. Awareness among respondents showed that 66% recognized economic losses caused by these parasitic infections, 14% had limited awareness, and 20% highlighted inadequate government support. The study concluded that Fasciola gigantica and hydatid cysts were more prevalent in cattle than in sheep. Recommendations conducting regular deworm programme in livestock, Educating the farmers on parasites control and improved animal husbandry i.e. emphasized fencing of wet areas, provision of clean water, regulate stray dogs and avoid feeding them raw infected offal’s to break the hydatid life cycles.