Prevalence and associated factors of schistosomiasis among domestic ruminants in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Schistosomiasis is a significant concern for animal and public health, particularly in low-income and rural areas with limited access to clean water and healthcare services. Evidence on the national pooled prevalence and risk factors of ruminant schistosomiasis in Ethiopia is limited, underscoring the need for further research to inform effective control strategies. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines. An extensive review was conducted across five academic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Web of Science), with all searches completed between May 10, 2025, and June 1, 2025. Heterogeneity was assessed, and a random-effects model was used to determine the pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis in ruminants. The sources of variation were analyzed through subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and sensitivity analysis. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots, Begg's test, and Egger’s test. A total of 33 studies were included in this meta-analysis, revealing a pooled prevalence of schistosomiasis in ruminants of 14.4 %, 95 % CI: [11.2-17.6]. The analysis demonstrated a substantial degree of heterogeneity among studies, with I² = 98.2 %, Q=1764.5 and p < 0.001. Among the variables analyzed for heterogeneity, the species of domestic ruminant and geographical region were identified as significant risk factors. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of schistosomiasis varied by species: 15.9 %, 95 % CI: [12.5–19.3] in cattle, 8.4 %, 95 % CI: [0.0–20.3] in sheep, and 3.0 %, 95 % CI: [0.0–31.9] in goats. According to the geographical region-based subgroup meta-analysis, the Amhara region exhibited the highest prevalence among domestic ruminants at 18.6 %, 95 % CI: [15.4–21.7], followed by the Oromia region at 12.8 %, 95 % CI: [4.8–20.9]. This systematic review and meta-analysis highlight that schistosomiasis remains a persistent threat to domestic ruminants in Ethiopia. Thus, veterinary and public health professionals, research institutions, livestock owners, and policymakers are encouraged to collaborate in designing and implementing effective prevention and control strategies for schistosomiasis.