Epidemiological Assessment of Bovine Fascioliasis and the Efficacy of Anthelmintic Drugs in Cattle in Southern Bangladesh

Abstract

Bovine fascioliasis is considered to be an economically important parasitic disease of cattle in Bangladesh. This study investigated its occurrence, related risk factors, and the efficiency of frequently used anthelmintic medications. The study was conducted from 11th July, 2024 to 15th January, 2025 in and around Dighalia Upazila, Khulna in Bangladesh. A total of 379 fecal samples were collected from the indigenous (Bos indicus) and crossbred cattle and tested by using the standard direct smear method at the Upazila Veterinary Hospital laboratory in Dighalia, Khulna. The overall prevalence was found to be 59.9% from 227 positive samples. Feeding practice, body condition, season, deworming history and types of anthelmintic drugs were found to have a significant association with fascioliasis (P<0.001). In contrast, when considering the relationship with sex, age and genotypes, it was observed that there was no significant association (P>0.05). Animals of poor body condition had a prevalence rate of 81.82%, followed by moderate (55.00%) and good (45.76%) body conditions. The study also showed that deworming significantly reduced the infection rates (40.00%) compared to non-dewormed cattle (72.93%). Furthermore, pasture-fed cattle had a higher prevalence rate (70.0%) compared to stall-fed (48.60%). Higher prevalence was observed in monsoon (76.00%), followed by late monsoon (62.12%) and winter seasons (40.98%). Drug efficacy varied. Triclabendazole was most effective (96.00%), followed by Nitroxynil (87.72%), Albendazole (66.67%), Fenbendazole (62.50%), and Levamisole (57.14%). This study highlights the vital necessity for effective management practices, including systematic deworming, enhanced feeding strategies, and the selective use of anthelmintic drugs to decrease veterinary expenses and control bovine fascioliasis in Bangladesh.