Studying the factors affecting the prevalence of Platyhelminthes in slaughtered ruminants in Lorestan province, Iran (2012-2022)

Abstract

Production-limiting diseases, such as helminth infections, are a major concern in temperate regions. They can lead to decreased meat and milk production and quality in livestock. This investigation aimed to assess the prevalence of Fasciola spp., Dicrocoelium spp., and Cystic echinococcosis in different livestock species (cattle, sheep, and goats) at the Khorramabad slaughterhouse between March 21, 2012, and March 20, 2022.ANOVA was employed to assess how disease prevalence varies across different periods and among various livestock species, aiming to comprehend the interplay of these independent variables on disease prevalence. The highest prevalence of Fasciola spp. was related to cattle, with a seasonal pattern showing a higher prevalence in autumn and winter. Hydatid cysts have increased over the past decade, with D. dendriticum being prevalent from 2017 to 2020. The investigation conducted has provided evidence that diseases caused by parasitic infestations in ruminants continue to persist even after treatment. This highlights the need for more effective and targeted sanitary and preventive measures that consider the type of parasite and its prevalence during different seasons. It is hence important to design and implement measures tailored to the specific needs of each parasite species, and aligned with the seasonal fluctuations in its population. This will help minimize the risk of disease transmission, thus reducing the impact on animal health and productivity, ultimately benefitting the livestock industry as a whole.

Keywords

• dicrocoeliasis
• echinococcosis
• fascioliasis
• hydatid cyst