Evaluation of the prevalence of liver fluke infections (Fasciola and Dicrocelium) in slaughtered animals in Sanandaj industrial slaughterhouse

Liver flukes cause important diseases such as fascioliasis and dicroceliasis in ruminants, which can lead to economic losses in livestock farming. In addition, as zoonotic diseases, they are also of great importance for health. Control programs require knowledge of the distribution of species in endemic areas. This study was conducted with the aim of determining the prevalence and severity of liver fluke infection in animals slaughtered at the Sanandaj slaughterhouse. In to determine the degree of parasite infection in the livers of cattle, sheep and goats slaughtered in the industrial slaughterhouse of the city of Sanandaj in the spring of 2022 (April to June) for three months, the livers of the slaughtered animals were examined by macroscopic observation and a Questionnaire examined. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 16 statistical software, descriptive statistics, and chi-square testing. The results of this study showed that of the total number of livers examined, the, the infection rate for Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica is 2.44% and the infection rate for Dicrocoelium dendriticum is 3.04% (P<0.05). This study shows that one of the important reasons for confiscation of liver and carcasses in animals slaughtered at Sanandaj slaughterhouse is the presence of parasitic liver fluke diseases, which in addition result in economic losses due to loss of livestock and confiscation of carcasses or organs. The infected animals as well as the reduction of animal production indicate risks to the health of the inhabitants of the area, which, due to the life cycle and transmission of these parasites, require more extensive and extensive sanitation and control measures.