A retrospective study of the prevalence and seasonal variation of Fasciola gigantica in cattle slaughtered in the major abattoirs of Zimbabwe between 1990 and 1999

A retrospective study covering a period of 10 years (1990-1999) was conducted using post mortem meat inspection records of the Veterinary Department Information Management Unit at Harare to determine the prevalence and seasonal variation of bovine fasciolosis in Zimbabwe. Records of monthly and annu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Onderstepoort journal of veterinary research 2004-09, Vol.71 (3), p.181-187
Main Authors: Pfukenyi, D.M. (Central Veterinary Laboratory, Causeway (South Africa). Diagnostic and Research Branch), Mukaratirwa, S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
ABATTOIR
ABATTOIRS
AFRIQUE DU SUD
Animals
BOVIN
CATTLE
Cattle Diseases - epidemiology
Fasciola - isolation & purification
FASCIOLA GIGANTICA
Fascioliasis - epidemiology
Fascioliasis - veterinary
GANADO BOVINO
Liver - parasitology
MATADEROS
MORBIDITY
MORBIDITÉ
MORBOSIDAD
Prevalence
Rain
Retrospective Studies
SEASONAL VARIATION
Seasons
SOUTH AFRICA
SUDÁFRICA
VARIACIÓN ESTACIONAL
VARIATION SAISONNIÈRE
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe - epidemiology
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Summary:A retrospective study covering a period of 10 years (1990-1999) was conducted using post mortem meat inspection records of the Veterinary Department Information Management Unit at Harare to determine the prevalence and seasonal variation of bovine fasciolosis in Zimbabwe. Records of monthly and annual returns from five major abattoirs were examined in regard to total cattle slaughtered and the corresponding number of livers condemned due to Fasciola gigantica infection. Prevalence of fasciolosis was calculated as the number of cattle found to be infected with F. gigantica, expressed as a percentage of the number of cattle slaughtered. Seasonal variations in the prevalence were examined by pooling respective monthly condemnation data over a 10-year (1990- 1999) period. A total of 2 474 232 cattle were slaughtered during this period and 917 565 (37.1 %) of these cattle were infected with F. gigantica. The pattern of distribution of F. gigantica was significantly higher in cattle originating from catchment areas of high rainfall than in those of relatively low rainfall, and in those slaughtered during the wet season than those slaughtered during the dry season (P < 0.05). Based on the study findings a control programme for the disease in Zimbabwe is suggested.
ISSN:0030-2465
2219-0635
DOI:10.4102/ojvr.v71i3.258