Animal Research International (2014) 11(2): 1958 – 1963 1958

PREVALENCE OF IN CATTLE SLAUGHTERED AT EKE MARKET ABATTOIR, AFIKPO, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

1NGELE, Kalu Kayong and 2IBE, Edward 1Department of Biology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. 2Department of Science Laboratory Management, School of Science, Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author: Ngele, K. K. Department of Biology, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Federal University, Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Email: [email protected], [email protected] Phone: +234 8066316115

ABSTRACT

In the research study carried out to determine the prevalence of fasciolopsis among cattle slaughtered at Eke Market abattoir, Afikpo, Ebonyi State Nigeria, feacal samples collected from the rectum of the slaughtered cattle were analysed, using the standard floatation technique (saturated sodium chloride) to recover the ova from the faecal samples. Post mortem examination of the liver and other organs of the slaughtered cattle were also examined for . Of the 256 cattle slaughtered at the Eke Market abattoir between May 2011 – April 2012, 93(37.89%) were found to be positive with F. hepatica, 60(23.44%) were infected with F. gigantica. The prevalence of fasciolopsis on the livers and other organs examined during post mortem examination were 66(25.78%) for F. hepatica and 42(16.41%) for F. gigantica. F. hepatica was the most common fasciolopsis in the study area. There was the presence of Balantidium coli infection among the cattle sampled with a prevalence of 46(17.97%). As a result of the high prevalence of fasciolopsis in the study area, it is recommended that veterinary and health officers should inspect the meat slaughtered at the Eke Market before releasing it to the public for consumption. A range land should be provided for the cattle heads men, which should be devoid of freshwater (the intermediate hosts) of Fasciola .

Keyword: Fasciolopsis, Prevalence, Cattle, ,

INTRODUCTION 1999). The world wide losses in annual productivity due to fascioliasis were Fasciolopsis also known as fascioliasis or liver conservatively estimated at over $3.2 billion per rot is a helminth disease caused by three annum (Spithhill et al., 1999). Also, fasciolopsis trematodes, Fasciola hepatica () is now recognized as an emerging Fasciola buski and Fasciola gigantica (Mass- disease. The World Health Organization coma et al., 2005). The definitive hosts range is estimated that 2.4 million people are infected very broad and include many herbivorous with Fasciola species and a further 180 million , including etc. The life cycle are at risk of infection (WHO, 1995). Adult includes fresh water snails as an intermediate Fasciola species are localized in the bile ducts of of the parasite (Forgerson and Claxton, the liver or gallbladder.

ISSN: 1597 – 3115 ARI 2014 11(2): 1958 – 1963 www.zoo-unn.org Fasciolopsis in cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, Afikpo, Nigeria 1959

Forgerson and Claxton (1999) stated that coma et al., 1998; Yilma and Godekmerdan, fasciolopsis has a worldwide distribution. It is 2004). very common in countries where cattle and Diagnosis is based primarily on clinical sheep are reared that have the presence of the signs, seasonal occurrence and previous history intermediate host (Forgerson and Claxton, of fascioliasis on the farm or the identification of 1999). snail habitats, post mortem examination, However, F. hepatica is limited to haematological tests and examination of faeces temperate areas and high lands of tropical and for fluke eggs. Although, it is impossible to sub-tropical regions (WHO, 1995). Schilhorn detect Fasciola in live , liver examination Van Veen et al. (1980) reported prevalence of of the slaughtered cattle was found to be the 65.4% for F. gigantica in cattle from Northern most direct, reliable and cost effective technique Nigeria. High incidence of F. gigantica and F. for the diagnosis of fascioliasis (Demirci, 2003). hepatica has been reported in cattle, goat and However, the objective of this study is to sheep from different towns in Nigeria such as determine the prevalence of fasciolopsis Lagos (Schilhorn Van Veen et al., 1980), Calabar infection in Eke Market abattoir, Afikpo, Nigeria. (Ajayi et al., 1987), Jos (Sprent, 1946; Ikem, 1970; Nwakpa, 2006; Yohanna et al., 2012) and MATERIALS AND METHODS Nsukka (Chiejina, 1986). According to Ikem (1970) and Chiejina Study Area and Population (1986) bulky nature of cattle faeces and the high and sufficient moisture content, gives room Study area: The study was carried out in for larval development and survival which Afikpo L.G.A. Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Afikpo is enabled the third larval stage to remain in the located between latitudes 50 4’N and 60 3’N, faecal droppings in the dry season until the Longitudes 705’E and 7055’E. There are two onset of the rains, when they are released and main seasons in this area, the rainy season the faeces used as a manure. The larvae of which is between April – October and dry Heamochus contortus underwent arrested season which lasts between November – March. development to survive the dry season The annual rainfall is about 160mm – 220mm (Enyeniyi, 1969; Magwisha et al., 2002). with maximum precipitation occurring between Yohanna et al. (2012) reported 94.8% July and September. The temperature ranges prevalence of helminths in 54 cattle examined in between 23.40C and 29.9oC. The relative Jos, Nigeria. Also in Jos Plateau, 30% humidity is between 60 – 80% (23, 24). Afikpo prevalence of Fasciola species was recorded by is bounded in the North by Ohaozara L.G.A., by Sprent (1946). Sprent (1946) reported 34.0% East by Afikpo South L.G.A. Afikpo is bounded in infection with Fasciola species from his research the South by Cross River State and in the West work carried out in Bauchi abattoir. A by Abia State (Iloje, 1981). prevalence of 13.3% Moniezia expansa infection in cattle was recorded in Ibadan, Nigeria by Study population: Two hundred and fifty six (Agu, 1976). Gatong and Guthuma (1987) cattle (256) including males and females of five reported 69.3% prevalence of different species, which include; Muturu Oesophagostumum radiatum in cattle from (humpless), Muturu (short horn), Zebu, red Kenya. Tolosa and Tigre (2006) reported Bororo and dwarf Lulu were sampled. They 46.5% prevalence of Fasciola species in cattle were brought into Afikpo abattoir from different slaughtered at Jimma abattoir, Ethiopia. In parts of the country. Afikpo abattoir is one of Ethiopia, the prevalence of bovine fasciolopsis the biggest abattoir in the state. ranged from 11.5% to 87.09% (Tolosa and Tigre, 2006). Fasciolopsis infections in cattle Fasciolopsis: Faecal samples were collected have been reported in the East , islands of directly from the rectum of the slaughtered Corsica and Turkey (Malone et al., 1998; Mass- cattle, using sterilized hand gloves and dropped into sterilized sample bottles containing about

Animal Research International (2014) 11(2): 1958 – 1963 Ngele and Ibe 1960

1ml of 10% formal aldehyde, for the Yohanna et al. (2012) had prevalence of preservation of the ova of the helminths in the 94.8% Fasciola infections in cattle slaughtered faecal samples. The samples were quickly at Jos abattoir, Plateau State. Furthermore, transferred to the Parasitology Laboratory of 34.0% infection of Fasciola species has been science laboratory technology department, reported for cattle slaughtered in Bauchi Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana for abattoir. Their results were similar to the results parasitological analysis. Also, post mortem obtained from this work on F. hepatica examination of different organs and livers of prevalence. each slaughtered animal was carefully examined Tolosa and Tigre (2006) reported by visualization and palpation of the entire 46.5% prevalence of Fasciola in cattle organ, which was followed by transverse slaughtered at Jimma abattoir, Ethiopia. incision of the organ across the thin left lob in The total prevalence of Fasciola to confirm the presence of the parasite infections obtained in this research work on (Urguhart et al., 1996; Cheesbrough, 2003). cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir using The standard floatation technique using faecal samples was 157(61.33%). The high saturated solution of sodium chloride (NaCl), prevalence obtained in this work was probably prepared with a specific gravity of 1.20 was due to conducive environment, presence of used, in recovering the eggs/ova of the intermediate host and high number disease parasite. The parasites recovered were reservoirs (cattle, goat and sheep) in Afikpo that identified using (Cheesbrough, 2003). Also, favours the transmission of Fasciola species species identification of the recovered Fasciola (Forgerson and Claxton, 1999). Furthermore, from post mortem examination of the livers and the ecological conditions of Afikpo with other organs were based on the morphological adequate temperature, rivers and the highlands features of the parasites and classified into F. may have encouraged the transmission of hepatica and F. gigantica (WHO, 1995; Urguhart Fasciola infections (WHO, 1995; Urguhart et al., et al., 1996; Cheesbrough, 2003). The floatation 1996). The intermediate hosts method was advantageous because it helps to of Fasciola species (Lymnaea species) had been concentrate the eggs of the parasites, so that it reported in Afikpo (Kalu, 2011; Ngele et al., may not be missed out unlike using direct wet 2012). Schilhorn Van Veen et al. (1980) mount method. Also small number of eggs reported prevalence of 65.4% Fasciola gigantic which may be present can still be detected in cattle, from Northern Nigeria. The result is using this method (Urguhart et al., 1996; similar with the total prevalence of 61.33% Cheesbrough, 2003). The data collected were Fasciola species recorded in this study. analyzed for prevalence using percentages. Post mortem examination of cattle slaughtered in Eke market abattoir indicated RESULTS AND DISCUSSION that 66(25.78%) of livers and organs were positive for F. hepatica and 42(16.41%) positive A total of 256 cattle slaughtered were sampled for F. gigantica. Tolosa and Tigre (2006) at the Eke Market abattoir, between May 2011 obtained 63.30% prevalence of F. hepatica to April 2012. Out of the 256 faecal samples during post mortem examinations of cattle examined from the rectum of the cattle slaughtered at Jimma abattoir, Ethiopia. Similar slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, 97(37.89%) study conducted at Ziway abattoir reported that were infected with F. hepatica, 60(23.44%) 60.30% of the livers harboured F. hepatica and were infected with F. gigantica and 46(17.97%) 10.20% harboured F. gigantica (Adem, 1994). were infected with Balantidium coli (Table 1). The prevalence of fasciolopsis infection in Afikpo For post mortem examination of the livers and may also be attributed to variations in climatic other organs of the slaughtered cattle, and ecological conditions such as altitude, 66(25.78%) were infected with F. hepatica, rainfall, temperature and poor livestock while 42(16.41%) were infected with F. management system (Yilma and Malone, 1998). gigantica (Table 2).

Animal Research International (2014) 11(2): 1958 – 1963 Fasciolopsis in cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, Afikpo, Nigeria 1961

Table 1: Prevalence of different parasites recovered from the faecal matter of cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Cattle Number Number Prevalence Number Prevalence examined infected (%) infected (%) with with Balantidium Fasciola coli hepatica Muturu humpless 64 10 3.91 28 10.94 Muturu short horn 64 8 3.13 18 7.03 Zebu 64 13 5.08 24 9.38 Red Bororo 64 11 4.29 15 5.68 Dwarf Lulu 64 4 1.56 12 4.69 Total 256 46 17.97 97 37.89 Species of cattle Number Number Prevalence Total Prevalence examined infected (%) infected (%) with with Fasciola Fasciola gigantica species Muturu humpless 64 18 7.03 46 17.97 Muturu short horn 64 12 4.69 30 11.72 Zebu 64 15 5.86 39 15.23 Red Bororo 64 9 3.52 24 9.38 Dwarf Lulu 64 6 2.34 18 7.03 Total 256 60 23.44 157 61.33

Table 2: Fasciola species recovered from the post mortem examination of cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria Cattle Number Fasciola Prevalence Fasciola Prevalence examined hepatica (%) gigantica (%) Muturu humpless 64 18 7.03 10 3.91 Muturu short horn 64 12 4.69 7 2.7 Zebu 64 13 5.08 11 4.29 Red Bororo 64 14 5.47 8 3.13 Dwarf Lulu 64 9 3.52 6 2.34 Total 256 66 25.78 42 16.41

Also, the existence of suitable ecological health management of cattle and adequate conditions in Afikpo like slow flowing rivers, control of the freshwater snail intermediate streams, beaches, lowly marshy areas may hosts. Veterinary and health officers should contribute to the development of the freshwater always inspect cattle and condemn infected intermediate snail hosts. ones as unfit for public consumption. There was also the co-infection of Balantidium coli with fasciolopsis infections in REFERENCES cattle sampled. Balatidium coli had a prevalence of 46(17.97%). Balatidium coli are common ADEM, A. (1994). Prevalence of Borne and infections of cattle causing abortion in cattle Ovine Fasciolopsis: A Preliminary Survey (Crewe, 1977; Soulby, 1982; Arora and Arora, around Ziway Region (Shewa). DVM 2010). Thesis, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, In conclusion, fasciolopsis infection has Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. been found in cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, and this can be remedy through proper

Animal Research International (2014) 11(2): 1958 – 1963 Ngele and Ibe 1962

AGU, A. I. (1976). Gastro-intestinal Parasites of given. Bulletin of Epizootic Cattle in the Ibadan Area. B.Sc. Project Diseases of Africa, 18: 339 – 345. Report, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. ILOJE, A. P. (1981). Regional Geography for AJAYI, S. A., SHUAIBU, Y., ADU, F. D., ASAYBA, West Africa. Second Edition, Macmillan M. A. and LAMORDE, A. G. (1987). Publishers, Nigeria. Sheep and goat production and health KALU, E. O. (2011). Survey of Freshwater Snails management in Nigeria. Nigerian the Intermediate Host of Livestock Farmer, 7(1-14): 18 – 21. in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. HND FORGERSON, P. and CLAXTON, J. Project Report, Department of Science (1999). Epidemiology and control. Laboratory Technology, Akanu Ibiam Pages 113 – 149. In: DALTON, J. P. Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Ebonyi (Ed), Fascioliasis, CABI Publications, State. Wallingford, Oxon, United Kingdom. MAGWISHA, H. B., KASUKI, A. A., KYVSGAARD, ARORA, D. R. and ARORA, B. (2010). Medical N. C. and PERMIN, A. (2002). Parasitology. Third Edition, CBS Comparison of the prevalence of Publishers and Distributors New Delhi, burdens of helminths infection in India. growers adults, free range chickens. CHEESBROUGH, M. (2003). District Laboratory Tropical Animals Health and Production, Practice in Tropical Countries Part 1. 34: 133 – 137. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, MALONE, J. B., GOMMES, R., HANSEN, United Kingdom. J., YILMA, J. M., SLINGENBERG, CHIEJINA, S. N. (1986). The epizootiology and J., SNIJDERS, F., NACHTERGAELE, F. control of parasitic gastro-enteritis of and ATAMAN, E. (1998). A geographic domesticated in Nigeria. information system on the potential Helminthology, 55: 413 – 429. distribution and abundance of Fasciola CREWE, W. (1977). A Guide to Human hepatica and F. gigantica in east Africa Parasitology for Medical Practitioners. based on Food and Agriculture The English Language Book Society and Organization databases. Veterinary H. K. Lewis Company Limited, United Parasitology, 78: 87 – 101. Kingdom. MASS-COMA, S., BARGUES, M. D. and VALERO, DEMIRCI, M. (2003). Insanlarda epidemiyoloji. M. A. (2005). Fascioliasis and other Pages 343 – 358. In: TINAR, R. and -borne trematode zoonoses. KORKMAZ, M. (Eds.), , International Journal of Parasitology, Türkiye Parazitoloji Derněgi, META 35(11-12): 1255 – 1278. Basim, İzmir, Turkey. MASS-COMA, S., FONS, R., FELIU, C., ENYENIYI, J. K. (1969). Pathogenicity of BARGUES, M. D., VALERO, M. A. and Neoascaris vitulous in calves. Bulletin of GALAN PUCHADES, M. T. (1998). Small Epizootic Diseases of Africa, 17: 171 – mammals as natural definitive hosts of the 178. liver fluke Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, GATONG, P. M. and GUTHUMA, J. M. (1987). 1758 (Trematode: ): a review The prevalence of gastro-intestinal and two new records of epidemiologic helminths in cattle in Tetu division of interest on the island of Corsica. Rivista Nyeri district, Kenya. Bulletin of Animal Parasitologia, 5: 73 – 78. Health Production in Africa, 35: 294 – NGELE, K. K., KALU, E. O., UKWEY, M. C. and 297. ONYEUKWU, C. N. (2012). A survey of IKEM, M. M. (1970). Strongleides papillosus, freshwater snails; the intermediate Neoascaru vitulorum acquired mixed hosts of schistosomiasis in Bende Local infections of calves in Plateau State area Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria. of Northern Nigeria and treatment International Journal of Science and Nature, 3(4): 879 – 882.

Animal Research International (2014) 11(2): 1958 – 1963 Fasciolopsis in cattle slaughtered at Eke market abattoir, Afikpo, Nigeria 1963

NWAKPA, V. I. (2006). Intestinal Helminths of Ethiopia. The Internet Journal of Cattle Slaughtered at the Jos Abattoir, Veterinary Medicine, 3(2): 1 – 7. Plateau State. B.Sc. Thesis, University URGUHART, G. M. DUNCAN, J. L., ARMOUR, J. of Jos, Nigeria. J., DUNN, A. M. and JENNING, J. SCHILHOM VAN VEEN, T. W., FOLARANMI, D. (1996). Veterinary Parasitology. Second O., USMAN, S. and ISHAYA, T. (1980). Edition, Blackwell Science, United Incidence of fluke infection (Fasciola Kingdom. gigantic and Dirocoeluim hospes) in WHO (1995). Control of Food Borne Infections. ruminants in Northern Nigeria. Tropical WHO Technical Series, Number 849, Animal Health and Production, 12(2): 97 World Health Organization, Geneva. – 104. YILMA, J. M. and MALONE, J. B. (1998). A SOULSBY, E. J. L. (1982). Helminths, Arthropods geographic information system forecast and Protozoa of Domesticated Animals. model for strategic control of Seventh Edition, Balliere, Tindall, fasciolopsis in Ethiopia. Veterinary London, United Kingdom. Parasitology, 78: 103 – 123. SPITHHILL, T. W., SMOOKER, P. M. and YILMA, Z. H. and GODEKMERDAN, A. (2004). COPEMAN, D. B (1999). Fasciola Human fascioliasis in Van Province, gigantic, epidemiology, control Turkey. Acta Tropica, 92(2): 161 – 167. and molecular biology. YOHANNA, J. A., MAISAJE, R. D., NWIBARI, B. Pages 465 – 525. In: DALTON, J. P. M. W. and NJOKU, C. I. (2012). Gastro- (Ed), Fascioliasis, CABI Publications, intestinal heminths among slaughtered Wallingford, Oxon, United Kingdom. cattle at Jos abattoir Plateau State. SPRENT, J. F. A. (1946). Some observations on Nigerian Journal of Parasitology, 33(2): incidence of bovine helminths in Plateau 141 – 144. Province, Northern Nigeria. Veterinary Journal, 102: 36 – 40. TOLOSA, T. and TIGRE, W. (2006). The prevalence and economic significance of bovine fasciolopsis at Jiunma Abattoir,

Animal Research International (2014) 11(2): 1958 – 1963