A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Prevalence of Bovine Fascioliasis in Nigeria

Objective

Bovine fascioliasis, a parasitic disease caused by Fasciola species, severely affects cattle health and agricultural productivity in tropical regions like Nigeria. It leads to economic losses through liver condemnations, decreased meat and milk production, and increased veterinary expenses. Despite its public health and economic significance, existing data on its prevalence and epidemiological patterns in Nigeria is limited.

Methods

This systematic review and meta-analysis compiled findings from 40 studies conducted between 1980 and 2024 to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of bovine fascioliasis in Nigeria.

Results

The analysis included 5,174,019 cattle and identified 120,678 infections, with a pooled prevalence of 29% (95% CI: 0.21, 0.38) using a random-effects model. A high level of heterogeneity was noted (I² = 100%, tau² = 0.0893). Subgroup analyses showed a higher prevalence in cross-sectional studies (33%, 95% CI: 0.25–0.42) compared to retrospective studies (18%, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.40). Diagnostic methods notably impacted prevalence estimates, with serological tests reporting 72%, versus 33% for microscopy and 22% for post-mortem examinations. Regional disparities were also evident, with the South-South zone exhibiting the highest prevalence in the country, underscoring the influence of environmental factors.

Conclusion

This study reveals the significant burden of bovine fascioliasis in Nigeria and highlights the need for region-specific, evidence-based control strategies. The findings also point to critical gaps in diagnostic standardization and surveillance, underscoring the necessity for improved diagnostic tools and integrated management practices to alleviate the effects of this parasitic disease.