Prevalence and Intensity of Paraphistomosis in Slaughtered Cattle in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Paramphistomosis is a neglected parasitic disease with a global distribution that affects the rumen, reticulum and anterior small intestine of domestic and wild ruminants. It threatens cattle production through weight loss and may cause high mortality, particularly in young cattle. Its life cycle involves freshwater snails of the families Planorbidae and Bulinidae. This study was conducted in September and October 2024 to determine the post-mortem prevalence and intensity of infection. Methods: The White Fulani cattle were reared under semi-intensive and extensive systems. The ruminal and reticular mucosae of 204 adult cattle, comprising 180 males and 24 females, were examined visually. Adult flukes were identified morphologically as conical, pink to reddish parasites approximately 1 cm long. The flukes were counted and classified using a severity index. Results: The prevalence was 95.5% (195/204). Mild infection was recorded in 62.0% (126/204) of the cattle, moderate infection in 28.4% (58/204), and heavy infection in 4.0% (8/204). Conclusion: Adult paramphistome infection was highly prevalent in the sampled slaughter population. The predominance of mild infection may be consistent with repeated exposure, although the study design cannot establish previous treatment, wildlife reservoirs or zoonotic significance. Further studies are required to identify the parasite species and local intermediate hosts and to assess temporal and ecological patterns.