EPIDEMIOLOGY, RISK FACTORS AND MEAT INSPECTION FINDINGS OF ADULT FASCIOLA SPP. INFECTION IN SLAUGHTERED CATTLE AT TAMBOUL ABATTOIR, GEZIRA STATE, SUDAN: A CROSS-SECTIONAL ABATTOIR-BASED SURVEY

Background: Bovine fasciolosis caused by adult Fasciola spp. is a major cause of liver condemnation and economic losses in Sudan.  
Objective: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and meat inspection lesions of adult Fasciola spp. in cattle at Tamboul Abattoir in relation to age, sex, breed, body condition and liver shape.  
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional abattoir study was conducted from January to February 2021. A total of 300 cattle livers were examined by visual inspection, palpation and multiple incisions. Data on age, sex, breed, body condition score BCS and liver shape were recorded. Association was tested by Chi-square.  
Results: Overall prevalence was 3.3% (10/300). Prevalence was highest in cattle <1 year 6.7% (4/60), females 4.2% (7/168), Local breed 4.5% (9/200), poor BCS 6.0% (6/100) and fibrotic/irregular liver shape 12.5% (5/40). Age, sex, breed, BCS and liver shape were statistically significant P<0.05. F. gigantica was predominant 80.0%.  
Conclusion: Adult Fasciola infection is present at low prevalence but significantly associated with young age, female sex, Local breed, poor BCS and liver fibrosis. Snail control, strategic deworming and improved meat inspection are recommended.