A DECADE OF Fascioliasis SURVEILLANCE: PREVALENCE OF LIVER FLUKE INFECTIONS IN RUMINANTS SLAUGHTERED IN JALINGO ABATTOIR, NIGERIA (2015–2024)

Abstract

This study assessed the ten-year trend of liver fluke infections (Fascioliasis) in cattle, goats, and sheep slaughtered at Jalingo Abattoir, Taraba State, Nigeria, using secondary post-mortem records from 2015 to 2024. A total of 140,199 cattle, 280,320 goats, and 93,248 sheep were examined. The prevalence of liver flukes was 6.7% in cattle and 0.05% in goats, while no infections were recorded in sheep. Yearly prevalence in cattle ranged from 3% to 10%, with peak infection in 2017. Goat infections were sporadic and consistently low. The findings highlight cattle as the most affected species, suggesting the need for targeted control strategies and improved abattoir surveillance. The study contributes valuable epidemiological data for the region and supports evidence-based livestock health policy planning.