Coprological study of trematode infections and associated host risk factors in cattle during the dry season in and around Bahir Dar, northwest Ethiopia

Prevalence and associated risk factors of bovine Schistosoma and Fasciola infections among cattle in South Achefer District, North West Ethiopia

Bovine schistosomiasis and fasciolosis, caused by flatworms from different species of Schistosoma and Fasciola, continue to be significant animal health concerns in cattle farming in developing countries like Ethiopia. However, not enough epidemiological information is available in most parts of Ethiopia in this respect. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the magnitude of these two important zoonotic diseases and the associated risk factors in south Achefer district, northwest Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study was carried out in June and August of 2020. The research cattle, which belonged to farmers in three selected localities, were chosen by a simple random sampling method. Freshly collected faecal samples were subjected to a parasitological test using the sedimentation technique to identify eggs of Schistosoma and Fasciola. We used Pearson's chi-square (χ2) test to ascertain the degree of variation between the proportions of disease occurrence. Logistic regression analyses were performed for the risk factor analysis. The overall prevalence of Schistosoma bovis and Fasciola hepatica was 9.6 % (37/384) and 54.2 % (208/384), respectively. Cross-bred cattle had around twice the odds of contracting Fasciola hepatica than local cattle (adjusted odds ratio, AOR: 1.87, 95 % CI: 1.02-3.43). The prevalence of Fasciola hepatica was more than seven times higher in younger cattle than in older cattle (AOR: 7.31, 95 % CI: 3.54-15.08). Comparatively to cattle in good physical health, those in poor physical condition were shown to contract Fasciola hepatica more than four times (AOR: 4.85, 95 % CI: 1.94-12.14). This study indicated that bovine Schistosoma and Fasciola infections remain among the major cattle health problems in the study area. Therefore, appropriate intervention methods should be implemented for effective zoonotic disease control in the study area.

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the prevalence of amphistome infection in domestic ruminants in the sub-Saharan Africa region

Systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to provide comprehensive information on the prevalence of amphistome infections in domestic ruminants in sub-Saharan Africa. A systematic search of peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2023 was conducted. Prevalence estimates and meta-analysis were based on 76 peer-reviewed articles which met the inclusion criteria. Of the 55,122 domestic ruminants screened, 12,858 were infected, and the overall pooled prevalence was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10-37). The highest prevalence was recorded in southern Africa 25% (95% CI, 0-62), and central Africa 16% (95% CI, 0-61) the lowest. Cattle were the most frequently sampled hosts (76.56%, n = 42,202) and sheep (8.78%, n = 4838) the lowest, and cattle recorded the highest pooled prevalence of 28% (95% CI, 12-47), and goats the lowest at 5% (95% CI, 0-14). Prevalence rate was the high in males 32% (95% CI, 21-44), adult ruminants 37% (95% CI, 15-62) and animals with poor body condition 47% (95% CI, 34-60), and during the wet season 36% (95% CI, 0-94). The highest pooled prevalence was recorded at postmortem 23% (95% CI, 8-43) compared to coprology 20% (95% CI, 6-39) studies. The meta-regression model demonstrated that the body condition score, host, and period, and the interactions of different factors significantly influenced the prevalence. The lowest prevalence rate was noted for the period between 2013 and 2023. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis in sub-Saharan Africa that provides a comprehensive review of the prevalence of amphistome infections in domestic ruminants in the past 20 years.

Helminth Control Practices in Sheep and Cattle in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Adea District, Central Ethiopia

Introduction

Gastrointestinal helminth parasitism is an important problem of livestock in many places of the globe. Despite the fact that the disease is one of the leading causes of economic losses, there is little information on the occurrence of the infection in cattle and sheep in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2022 to February 2023 in urban and peri-urban areas of the Ada'a District with the objective of estimating the prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth parasites (GIHPs) in sheep and cattle and to assess the commercial anthelmintic utilization practices and associated risk factors in sheep and cattle. A total of 351 randomly selected fecal samples (192 cattle and 159 sheep) were collected from the rectum and examined using flotation and sedimentation. One hundred respondents were interviewed for questionnaire surveys on anthelmintic utilization practices.

Results and Discussion

The overall prevalence of GIHPs (61.25%) was recorded during the study. Among the animals, 55.21% and 68.55% prevalence of the infection was observed in cattle and sheep, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection between the study animal species, breeds, body condition of the animals, and production systems. However, there were no significant differences in gastrointestinal helminth parasite (GIHP) infection (P > 0.05) according to sex and age of the animals. A higher prevalence of strongyle (55.34%), fasciola (13.48%), and moniezia eggs (10.69%) was recorded. According to a questionnaire survey, ivermectin was found to be the most used anthelmintic drug. This study addresses the challenge of anthelmintic resistance (AR) against currently available anthelmintics; highly prevalent parasitic infections are causing tremendous economic losses to the animal industry.

Trematode infection in ruminants and diversity of snail hosts across three agro-ecological zones in Ethiopia

The occurrence of trematodes among ruminants and their snail vectors is a major concern across various agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. Trematodes pose significant threats to animals, causing considerable economic losses and impacting public health. In this study, we have investigated 784 ruminant fecal samples, and 520 abattoir samples, alongside the collection and identification of snail vectors from various agro-ecological regions. Fecal examinations revealed Fasciola, Paramphistomum and Schistosoma species infected 20.5% (95% CI: 17.6, 23.8), 11.7% (95% CI: 9.6, 14.2), and 6.3% (95% CI: 4.1, 9.1) of the animals, respectively. The overall prevalence of trematodes among ruminants was 28.8% (95% CI: 25.7, 32.1%), with 6.0% (95% CI: 4.3, 7.7) showing mixed infections. Fasciola was more prevalent in Asela (26%) compared to Batu (19%) and Hawassa (11.5%), while a higher proportion of animals in Batu were infected with Paramphistomum. Schistosoma eggs were detected only in Batu (12.5%), but not in other areas. Sheep and cattle exhibited higher infection rates with Fasciola, Paramphistoma, and Schistosoma compared to goats. Significant associations were observed between trematode infections and risk factors including agro-ecology, animal species, body condition score, and deworming practices. About 20.8% and 22.7% of the slaughtered animals harbored Fasciola and Paramphistomum flukes, respectively, with a higher prevalence in Asela and Hawassa abattoirs compared to Batu abattoir. Additionally, a total of 278 snails were collected from the study areas and identified as lymnae natalensis, lymnae trancatula, Biomphalaria pffiferi, Biomphlaria sudanica, and Bulinus globosus. In conclusion, the study highlights the widespread occurrence of trematode infections, emphasizing the need for feasible control measures to mitigate their economic and public health impacts.

Prevalence and risk factors of fasciolosis in a bovine population from farms in Taiping, Malaysia

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic disease, considered an emerging neglected tropical disease threatening ruminant productivity and causing economic losses. Controlling fasciolosis is challenging due to the complex life cycle of Fasciola, which involves snail intermediate hosts. The high rainfall status in Taiping makes it an optimal region for snail abundance, which increases the opportunity to complete Fasciola's life cycle. Previous studies showed that liver condemnation caused by fasciolosis was highly prevalent in the Taiping abattoir compared to other investigated main abattoirs of Peninsular Malaysia. Therefore, the present study determined the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and risk factors in farms from Larut and Matang (Taiping), Malaysia. Sampling was carried out from February until August 2020. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 fecal samples from bovines (dairy cattle, beef cattle, buffalo) were examined from 23 farms selected based on location, farmer consent, and history of anthelmintic usage. Animal's intrinsic and farm management details were recorded, and interview sessions were conducted with farmers to collect information on the potential risk factors. Individual fecal samples were examined for the presence of Fasciola egg using Flukefinder® sedimentation. There was moderate prevalence of bovine fasciolosis in Taiping (36.9%, n = 137/371). Significant risk factors (p < 0.05) were observed, which include buffalo group (OR = 9.5, 95% CI: 9.44-9.55), age of >3 years (OR = 5.5, 95% CI: 5.43-5.57), thinner animals with body condition score of 1 to 4 (OR = 1.2-14.9, 95% CI: 1.09-15.08), and larger grazing area (OR = 1.3, 95% CI: 1.30-1.31). Additional risk factors include the presence of more than one ruminant species in the same farm (OR = 2.0-2.1, 95% CI: 2.00-2.22), extensive housing system (OR = 4.0, 95% CI: 3.77-4.23), farm age (OR = 1.2, 95% CI: 1.20-1.21), and also co-infection with Paramphistomes (OR = 1.4, 95% CI: 1.10-1.71). The present study underscores the importance of local bovine fasciolosis epidemiology, which could be used to conduct future veterinary and public health programmes to inform effective parasitic management aimed at reducing the prevalence of fasciolosis.

Prevalence of Bovine Trematodiases and Associated Risk Factors in Nyagatare District, Rwanda

Introduction

Trematodiases cause significant financial losses to livestock worldwide and some of which are zoonotic, raising public health concerns. In Rwanda, information on the prevalence of bovine trematodiases is scanty, and this hampers efforts to control and prevent them in the country.

Methods

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of bovine trematodiases in Nyagatare district and associated risk factors. One hundred cattle were randomly selected for this study and faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum to identify trematode eggs using a simple sedimentation technique. To analyze the data, frequencies, chi-square test, and binary logistic regression were computed.

Results

Overall, the prevalence of bovine trematodiases was 69%, and Paramphistomum spp. predominated (69%), followed by Dicrocoelium spp. (23%), Fasciola spp. (20%), and Echinostoma spp. (1.0%). The study also recorded mixed paramphistomiasis, fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis (11.6%), paramphistomiasis and fascioliasis (15.9%) as well as paramphistomiasis and dicrocoeliasis (20.3%). The odds of having trematodiasis (mono or mixed fascioliasis and dicrocoeliasis) for the cow located in Barija cell (AOR = 0.143; 95% C.I. 0.026-0.793) were 14% lower compared to those of developing such parasitosis for the cow located in Bushoga cell.

Conclusion

Taken together, the study shows that trematodes are a significant contributor to lowering livestock production and productivity and pose a threat to human health. Different approaches should be applied to prevent and control the trematodiases in cows and other livestock (sheep and goats) and reduce the risk of contracting fascioliasis and echinostomiasis in humans in Nyagatare district, Rwanda.

Study on Cattle Trematodiasis and Related Risk Factors in Damot Sore District, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Trematodes are chronic, debilitating diseases in livestock, causing significant economic losses worldwide. From mid-December 2021 to May 2022, a cross-sectional study was carried out in the Damot Sore District to estimate the prevalence of trematode infections in cattle and associated risk factors. Trematode eggs were found in 100 of the 384 faecal samples tested, with an overall prevalence of 26.04% (95% CI: 21.88-30.69%). The prevalence for Fasciola, Paramphistome, and Schistosoma species were 12.50%, 5.21%, and 0, respectively. Moreover, the infection rate with two parasites was 8.33%. The data were then examined further using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis. As a result, age was the only potential predictor identified to influence trematode infections in cattle among the potential predictors considered. Furthermore, old cattle were more likely to be infected with trematodiasis nearly 12 times (OR = 11.5) that of young cattle, and this difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05), whereas other risk factors considered were statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). According to the findings of this study, cattle trematodiasis is a moderately common disease in the study area. As a result, additional research on the meteorological conditions of snail infection was forwarded, along with other points to reduce the disease problem in livestock production.

Prevalence of Amphistomes and Fasciola in large ruminants reared by smallholders in Lampung and Banten Provinces, Indonesia

Background and Aim

Parasitic diseases, including trematode invasions, result in losses to livestock in Indonesia, hindering the government's efforts to achieve meat self-sufficiency. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of Amphistomes and Fasciola in large ruminants reared by smallholder farmers.

Materials and Methods

Fecal samples from 199 buffalo and cattle were collected from the districts of East Lampung (Lampung Province) and Lebak (Banten Province). Fecal samples were examined for the presence of trematode eggs using a sedimentation technique.

Results

Parasite invasion rate was 48.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 41.3%-55.2%). Rate of invasion was 63.3% (95% CI: 52.7%-73.9%) in Lampung and 38.3% (95% CI: 29.6%-47.0%) in Lebak-Banten. The prevalence of multiple invasions of both Amphistomes and Fasciola was 20% in buffalo and local cattle, whereas invasion rate was 12.8% in crossbred cattle. Invasion rate of Amphistomes alone was 27.1%, and that of Fasciola was 4.5%. A higher invasion rate of Amphistomes (29.8%) occurred in crossbred animals. There were no significant differences between age groups for trematode invasion. The Chi-square test showed that the prevalence of trematode invasion in females was significantly higher than in males (51.5% and 30.0%, respectively). Amphistomes more commonly infected females than males (29.0% and 16.7%, respectively).

Conclusion

All breeds were vulnerable to invasion by both trematode species and single invasions with different invasion rates. These findings contribute to determining the magnitude of the disease and provide a basis for studies on prevention and treatment of trematode invasion.

Epidemiology of bovine schistosomiasis and associated risk factors in Ethiopia: A systematic review with meta-analysis of published articles, 2008-2018

Schistosomiasis is a tropical and subtropical parasitic infection that affects both animals and humans. It's caused by the Schistosoma genus and spreads via snails as an intermediate host. Schistosoma bovis is widely spread in Ethiopia's Northern, Eastern, Southwestern, and Central regions. It is an economically significant cattle disease with global health implications. Despite numerous prevalence studies of bovine schistosomiasis in different regions of the country, no systematic review and meta-analysis of the disease has ever been undertaken. As a reason, the purpose of this research was to provide information that can be used in the planning and design of Schistosoma interventions in Ethiopia, as the world aims to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem by 2030. The PRISMA statement guidline was used to check the eligiblities of the included studies. Electronic bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, HINARI, and Web of science, reference lists from retriv articles, books, libraries, megazins and existing reviews manaually were employed for literature searches. The pooled prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis and heterogeneity among included studies was estimated by employing random effect models and the inverse variance index, respectively. To investigate the source of heterogeneity across and within studies, subgroup analysis was undertaken based on sample size, study years, and study regions. To assess publication bias and small study effects, funnel plotsand Egger's regression test were used. The pooled prevalence was calculated with a 95% confidence interval using STATA 17 software. To identify the various risk variables related to the prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis, a pooled odd ratio was used Based on the inclusion criteria, a total of 20 studies were discovered and included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was found to range from 22 to 45.7%. In this meta-analysis, the estimated pooled prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was 24% (95% CI: 17% to 31%). Substantial heterogeneity was observed across the included studies (I2 = 88.04%; p< 0.001). The results of the funnel plot and Egger'stests revealed no substantial publication bias (Egger's test; p = 0.509). The pooled odds ratio indicated that poor body condition was positively associated with the infection rate of bovine schistosomiasis (OR: 4.915, 95% CI: 2.675 to 9.030; p<0.001), with poor body conditioned animals having 4.915 times higher likelihood to schistosomiasis infection. This review found that the overall prevalence of bovine schistosomiasis was high and the body condition of animals was identified risk factor for Schistosoma infection among the studied factors. Therefore, this review found that the occurrence of bovine schistosomiasis was strongly associated with the state of body condition of animals. Further, sufficient numbers of prospective studies should be conducted to address other potential risk factors of bovine schistosomiasis in Ethiopia.

Assessment of animal health and production constraints: The case of three districts

BACKGROUND

Animal production is an important tool for improving the living standard of humans and is the backbone of Ethiopia's agricultural development. The country is known for its high livestock potential, but it is not well exploited due to various hindering factors.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of the study is to assess the key issues related to animal health and production.

METHODS

The evaluation was carried out in three purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone, namely Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo by using well-designed and structured questionnaire surveys.

RESULT

During the study period, 200, 145 and 165 respondents were sampled from the animal owners in the districts of Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo, respectively. Of these, about 97.89%, 95.68% and 94.9% practice extensive management in Gidda Ayana, Jimma Arjo and Sibu Sire, respectively. The majority of respondents in Gidda Ayana (98.1%), Jimma Arjo (97.21%) and Sibu Sire (98.9%) use natural pastures. For cattle breeding, uncontrolled natural mating is used in Gidda Ayana (90.79%), Jimma Arjo (86.3%) and Sibu Sire (95.69%). The major constraints of animal health and production were also assessed. Accordingly, a lack of access to adequate animal production and health expert in Gidda Ayana (27.33%), Jimma Arjo (29.36%) and Sibu Sire (31.59%) was recorded, whereas the lack of sustainable and structured modern livestock market was observed in Gidda Ayana (25.94%), Jimma Arjo (21.31%) and Sibu Sire (19.80%).

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Livestock need improved animal health, management systems and breeding methods. The study revealed key issues related to animal health and production, such as poor management systems and breeding methods, limited coverage of veterinary services and a modern livestock market. Thus, it is indispensable to increase the coverage of veterinary services, animal extension services and alternative sources of animal feed.

GENETIC AND MORPHOLOGIC CHARACTERIZATION OF DIASCHISTORCHIS PANDUS (DIGENEA: PRONOCEPHALIDAE) TREMATODES EXTRACTED FROM HAWKSBILL TURTLES, ERETMOCHELYS IMBRICATA (TESTUDINES: CHELONIIDAE), IN GRENADA, WEST INDIES

The hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata is a critically endangered species with a worldwide distribution. Limited information is available about the naturally occurring intestinal parasites of this species and what impact these parasites may have on the health of the hawksbill turtle. Diaschistorchis pandus was identified postmortem in 5 hawksbill turtles from Grenada, West Indies, using morphologic characterization. Sanger sequencing was performed for conserved ribosomal regions (5.8S, ITS2, 28S) and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI). Phylogenetic analysis of the 28S rRNA gene sequence data shows D. pandus clustering with other trematodes in the family Pronocephalidae, corroborating morphological classification. No genetic sequences have been previously reported for this trematode species, which has limited the collection of objective epidemiological data about this parasite of marine turtles.

Prevalence and risk factors of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java Island of Indonesia

Background and Aims:

This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and intensity and to identify the associated risk factors and impact of trematode infection in swamp buffaloes reared under different agro-climatic conditions in Java, Indonesia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 580 fecal samples were collected from swamp buffaloes in five different agro-climatic areas in Banten and Central Java Provinces, Indonesia. The fecal samples were examined using the Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory Technique to determine the prevalence and intensity of trematode infection. The risk factors for infection were determined from an in-depth interview of owners/keepers, and the results were analyzed using Chi-square tests and multiple logistic regression. The infection was also correlated with swamp buffalo production parameters (body weight and body condition score [BCS]).

Results:

From all fecal samples, the overall prevalence of trematode infection was 64.83%, which comprised Fasciola spp. (16.03%; mean eggs per gram [EPG]±SD: 1.02±0.43) and Paramphistomatidae (62.93%; mean EPG±SD: 1.01±0.66). The main risk factor for trematode infection was feeding animals with rice straw (odds ratio [OR]: 40.124); the risk of trematode infection was 40.142 times higher in buffaloes that consumed rice straw. Other risk factors included the frequency of anthelmintic treatment (OR: 4.666), age (OR: 0.449), and drinking water source (OR: 0.358). Trematode infection did not significantly affect the body weight or BCS of swamp buffaloes.

Conclusion:

Although the prevalence of trematode infection was high in swamp buffaloes, the intensity of infection was low, and the infection did not affect the animals’ physical parameters.