ABSTRACT

 A three month study was conducted from July to October on the prevalence of liver fluke infection. 240 liver samples from ubakala and Uzuakoli both in Abia state were examined. The prevalence rate of infection in Ubakala and Uzuakoli was 59(24.6%).The prevalence rate of infection in male 40(16.67) and females 19(7.29%). The analysis indicated a prevalence rate of infection in Ubakala and Uzuakoli (p<0.05). In Ubakala abattoir, the prevalence rate of infection in male is 25(17.12) and infected female 13(8.90%). There was no significance difference of infection in male and female cattle slaughtered in the abattoir (P<0.05). In Uzuakoli, the prevalence rate of infection in male is 1515.96%) and infected female 6(6.38%). There was no significant difference of infection in male and female cattle slaughtered in uzuakoli (P<0.05). The level of infection determined by the number of parasite in both abattoir recorded, is severe in males with 9(22.5), moderate 14(35.0%) and miid 17 (42-5%) while females recorded severe with 3(15.8%), moderate 5(26.3%) and mild 11 (57.9%). Out of the 50 faecal sample analyzed in Ubakala, male 11 (22.0%) and female 7(14.11 %) were found infected while in Uzuakoli the infected male 9(18.0%) and infected females 6(12.0%), there was no significant difference of infection in males and fema!es (P<0.05). Questionnaires responses of butchers/meat-sellers revealed their ability to recognize infected liver through its dark colour and spongy fibrous nature. Major factors identified to be responsible for the high prevalence of parasite are poor environmental condition inadequate care and treatment of infected cattle, environmental sanitation, feeding habit and good source of water were emphasized to safeguard the general health of the public