Challenges of Fasciolosis Spreading in Cattle in Ukraine in 2021-2023

Abstract

The paper presents a comparative analysis of the epizootic process of cattle Fasciolosis dynamics in Ukraine from 2021 to 2023. The data are broken down by region. The risk zones are determined, and the territory of Ukraine is conditionally divided into dangerous, threatened, and temporarily not-dangerous areas. Grazing ruminants' helminths are common worldwide and harm cattle productivity and food security. The concern that climate change can increase the frequency and intensity of helminth infections has been growing. In Ukraine, this concern stems from case reports and theoretical life-cycle models, which allow us to assess the impact of climate change on helminth epidemiology. We believe that this study is the first attempt to investigate geographic and climatic trends in cattle helminth infections spreading by region. In the total of 474209 conducted tests, 6967 cases had positive results, and the average infection rate of cattle with Fasciola from 2021 to 2023 was 1.5 % in the regions with mild climate. Fasciolosis infection spread depends on the elevation of the farm and agricultural region. The studies show that meteorological changes can significantly contribute to understanding the impact of climate on infectious disease dynamics. If local environmental conditions are taken into account, the impact of climate change on disease dynamics can be clearer on a local scale. We recommend developing a strategy for extensive sample selection across Ukraine to monitor changes in helminthic disease risk and inform on adaptation strategies to increase productivity and protect the health of the cattle.