Prevalence of Hepatic Fasciolosis and Associated Liver Pathology in Cattle at Port Harcourt Abattoir, Rivers State

Hepatic fasciolosis caused by Fasciola gigantica is among the most economically significant parasitic diseases affecting cattle in the humid South South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. This cross-sectional study determined the prevalence of fasciolosis and described associated liver pathology in cattle slaughtered at Port Harcourt Metropolitan Abattoir, Rivers State, from October 2022 to March 2023. Post-mortem examinations were conducted on 250 cattle carcasses, with livers systematically incised and examined for fluke infestation. Affected livers were sampled for histopathological processing using haematoxylin and eosin, and van Gieson stains for connective tissue evaluation. The overall prevalence of hepatic fasciolosis was 31.6 percent. Gross lesions included thickened and fibrosed bile ducts, hepatomegaly, necrotic tracts, and biliary hyperplasia. Microscopically, periductal fibrosis, biliary epithelial hyperplasia, haemosiderin deposition, and eosinophilic infiltration were dominant histological findings. The degree of hepatic fibrosis increased proportionally with fluke burden. Significantly higher prevalence was recorded in cattle originating from the Niger Delta lowlands compared to those sourced from the northern states. Livers condemned due to fasciolosis represented an estimated economic loss of over three million naira within the study period. These findings align with recent updates on zoonotic trematodiasis in sub-Saharan Africa. Strategic use of anthelmintics during the dry season and improving drainage in waterlogged grazing areas are recommended control measures. Keywords: fasciolosis, hepatic pathology, cattle, Port Harcourt, fibrosis