Prevalence of bovine fascioliasis and economic losses in an abattoir located in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil

Abstract

Bovine fasciolosis is a neglected parasitic zoonosis that causes economic losses to beef production chains due to liver condemnation at abattoirs. Despite the characterization of Bovine fasciolosis in several areas of Brazil, an update on its prevalence in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo is lacking. Thus, fasciolosis prevalence from 2018 to 2021 is presented here according to cattle origin (municipalities of both states). In addition, the associated economic impact on an abbatoir was analyzed through liver condemnation of bovines from both states. The prevalence of fasciolosis in the state of Espírito Santo (10.4%) was significantly higher than Rio de Janeiro (3.6%) (P < 0.01), and resulted in an economic loss of US$12,678.60 for the abattoir. The following municipalities located in the state of Espírito Santo presented prevalences above the mean (10.3%) established in the study: Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Cachoeiro do Itapemirim, Castelo, Atilio Vivacqua, Apiacá and Ibitirama. Thus, majority of these municipalities are considered high-risk areas. Although, there is an aparrent reduction of fasciolosis prevalence, it continues to be a cause of economic losses in abattoirs especially in the state of Espírito Santo. Accordingly, prophylactic measures must still be adopted in cattle farms.

Fasciolosis in ruminants in Brazil

“…The prevalence of condemnation of bovine livers in slaughterhouses in the south of Espírito Santo was calculated at 24.89% between 2006 and 2009 ( Bernardo et al, 2011 ). More recently, Teixeira et al (2023) recorded 10.4% condemnation of bovine livers in Espírito Santo and 3.6% in Rio de Janeiro. Studies of sheep and buffaloes are less common, but Cunha et al (2007) registered a rate of 8.87% condemnation of sheep in Rio Grande do Sul.…”