Prevalence, Distribution and Risk Factors for Trematode Infections in Domesticated Ruminants in the Lake Victoria and Southern Highland Ecological Zones of Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Abstract

Trematode infections cause long-term suffering and debilitation, posing a significant threat to global animal health and production and leading to considerable economic losses. Studies on the epidemiology and control of these infections in Tanzania are limited. The few available studies have been conducted in abattoir settings. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by determining the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors for trematode infections in domesticated ruminants in two different ecological zones of Tanzania. A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Lake Victoria and the Southern highlands ecological zones of Tanzania. Rectal fecal samples were collected and examined for F. gigantica, Paramphistomidae, and S. bovis infections using the sedimentation technique. A total of 1367 domesticated ruminants were sampled and examined for trematode infections. The overall prevalence of trematode infections was found to be 65.7%. The individual prevalence of F. gigantica, Paramphistomidae, and S. bovis (based on egg morphology only) was 35.1%, 60.2%, and 3.1%, respectively. Adult cattle were more likely to be infected with Paramphistomidae (adjusted odds ratio, (AOR): 1.98; 95% confidence interval, (CI): 1.40-2.78) and S. bovis (AOR: 8.5; 95% CI: 1.12-64.19) than weaners. It was observed that trematode infections in domesticated ruminants are prevalent in the two ecological zones of Tanzania; therefore, effective and community-directed prevention and control strategies are highly needed to address trematode infections of domesticated ruminants in these areas.