STUDY ON THE PREVALENCE OF BOVINE FASCIOLOSIS IN CHOLE DISTRICT ARSI ZONE, OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, CENTRAL ETHIOPIA

A cross sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis and assess the risk factors associated with fasciolosis in and around Chole district in East Arsi zone of Oromia Regional State of Ethiopia from November 2017 to April 2018. Parasitological examination was conducted using faecal sedimentation technique to recover parasite egg. A total of 384 cattle faecal samples were subjected to coprological examination. Based on the coprological examination the overall prevalence of fasciolosis was 144 (37.5%). Statistically significant variation (P0.05) in the prevalence of fasciolosis based on sexes and health status of the animal. The present study revealed that infection of cattle by fasciolosis was attributed to the presence of favorable environment for the abundance of intermediate host and the parasite. Based on the manifestation of overt clinical signs, animals were categorised into two parts, as apparently normal and showing overt clinical signs based on weight loss, pallor of the mucous membranes, sub mandibular oedema, dullness, weakness, lack of appetite, animals showing one or more of these signs were considered as manifesting of fascioliasis. The result mentioned here indicated that the disease has a significant position in the veterinary pathology scenario of the area. The studies confirm the endemicity of fascioliasis at the study grazing lands. Appropriate strategies for the control of fascioliasis based on seasonal de worming approach are suggested.