International Journal of Family Medicine & Healthcare
Open AccessSpatial Distribution and Risk Mapping of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica Infections in Cattle Slaughtered in Eswatini, July 2023 to January 2024 – The Case of Eswatini Meat Wholesalers
Authors: Sabelo V Dlamini, Dlamini Gugu P, Masuku Sakhile KS, Murye Alfred F, Lukhele Lungile P, Dlamini Makhoselive.
Abstract
Reports have suggested an increase of human fascioliasis caused by Fasciola hepatica between 1970 and 1990, with 2 594 reports of infected persons in 42 countries located in all continents. Approximately 17 million people worldwide are infected with fascioliasis. The disease poses a substantial health burden for over 90 000 Disability-Adjusted-Life-Years (DALYs) due to abdominal complications. Livestock belonging to ethnic groups traditionally residing near water sources have been reported to carry a risk of infection with Fasciola gigantica. Slaughterhouses identify the parasites during routine inspection of slaughtered animals in Eswatini and the loss from condemned livers is of concern. Infected livestock release eggs that reach water and eventually develop to metacercariae that infects other animals and humans on water plants. Therefore, high prevalence in livestock is a major threat of fascioliasis in humans. This study aims to determine the prevalence, geospatial distribution and risk factors of Fasciola spp in order to promote awareness among cattle farmers and to implement strategies to control the infection among cattle reared in Swazi farms and grazing areas. During the period of investigation (July 2023 to January 2024), 168/326 (52%) of the carcasses inspected were found infected with either Fasciola hepatica or F. gigantica. Female cattle were more likely to be infected compared to their male counterparts (OR=0.26 95%CI 0.16 – 0.44). The infection rate appeared to increase with increasing age of the cattle. This prevalence causes economic losses of about E156 480(8 842.70USD) through loss of liver due to condemnation. Geospatial distribution of the infected cattle revealed three Clusters: Cluster 1 – Mnkayane/Ngwempisi, Cluster 2 - Nhlambeni/ Siphofaneni/Mafutseni and Cluster 3 – Sithobela. Cluster 1, the only one in the Highveld had the largest number of infected cattle. Our study suggests that the prevalence of fascioliasis could be high in Eswatini. Comprehensive studies should be conducted at various slaughter houses in order to reveal the true prevalence rate in the country.
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