Prevalence ratio and spatial distribution of bovine fasciolosis in properties in Orleans, Santa Catarina

Abstract

Fasciolosis is a zoonosis with a subclinical picture that leads to economic losses in cattle breeding. Cases of the disease were identified in a slaughterhouse located in Orleans, Santa Catarina, Brazil. To identify cases and calculate the soroprevalence of bovine fasciolosis in rural properties in the city of Orleans, an ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) test was performed. A map was prepared to analyze the distribution of cases of fascioliasis in the municipality. Questionnaires were applied in order to identify the type of management performed by property, associated factors and possible intervention measures to be adopted. Through statistical tests, the occurrence of fasciolosis was compared to the type of management and creation of the animals in addition to environmental data. Of the animals tested, 29.78% tested soropositive for fasciolosis. Of the 35 properties visited, 24 had cattle with a soropositive test for fasciolosis. There was statistical significance for the variables “place of purchase” and “type of production system”. These results are important for veterinarians and especially producers to know the sanitary situation of the property and thus promote preventive measures.