Investigation of Climatic and Non-climatic Risk Factors of Fasciola gigantica Infection in Slaughtered Cattle Based on a Cross Sectional Survey in Sokoto State, Nigeria

Aim: This study presents the first effort at identifying the effects of both climatic and non-climatic factors on fascioliasis infection in slaughtered cattle at an abattoir in Sokoto state.

Study Design: Two questionnaires were administered to elicit relevant information regarding the parameters of each slaughtered cattle and the socio-demographic status of the owners of each slaughtered cattle. Faecal and bile samples were collected from each slaughtered cattle.

Place and Duration of Study: A cross-sectional survey applied to investigate risk determinants of 300 slaughtered cattle at abattoirs in the study area.

Methodology: Binary logistic regression was used to determine risk determinants for infections.

Results: Results indicate that of 300 faecal samples from the slaughtered cattle in 10 provinces revealed that 92 (30.7%) were positive for the presence of F. gigantica parasite while 208 (69.3%) were unaffected. Age of cattle was found to be more likely to fascioliasis infection (or: 1.0498; 95% ci: 1.0305-1.0695) than the younger ones. The breed of cattle was associated with an increased likelihood of infection with F. gigantica (or: 1.5934; 95% ci: 1.0641-2.3860). Male cattle were 0.6 times less likely to be infected with F. gigantica (or: 0.6213; 95% ci: 0.3302-1.1688) than female cattle. similarly, cattle belonging to fulani were more likely to be infected with F. gigantica (or: 3.1229; 95% ci: 1.7959-5.4303) than those cattle that belonged to hausa/zabarma ethnic groups. In terms of climatic variables, elevation has an association with increased likelihood of infection with F. gigantica infections (or: 1.0004; 95% ci: 0.9796-1.0216).

Conclusion: This study demonstrated that sokoto state is endemic area for Fasciola gigantica infections and it recommends the need to formulate appropriate strategies to control the disease.