Prevalence of Fasciola gigantica infestation in cattle slaughtered at Minna metropolitan abattoir in North Central Nigeria

The study was conducted to provide a baseline data for the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica infestation in cattle slaughtered at Minna metropolitan abattoir in Chanchaga Local Government area of Niger State, Nigeria. The study was conducted for 90 days. Liver and gall bladder tissue samples were obtained from slaughtered cattle at abattoir. Ten cattle were sampled per week which translated to 120 animals. The liver and gall bladder tissue samples were processed at the State Veterinary Centre, Minna for worm recovery and identification. Liver was examined visually for the presence of Fasciola species by making length wise incision on the ventral aspect of the liver by cutting the bile duct and gall bladder open. Data were subjected to t-test statistics. Results showed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) between the sex of Fasciola gigantica and the prevalence of Fasciola gigantica obtained in the organs. This study established the presence of Fasciola gigantica in cattle slaughtered in Minna Metropolis. It is recommended that grazing of cattle should be restricted to lesser snail infested areas particularly around rivers and streams.