Prevalence, risk factors, and economic impact of Fasciola gigantica infection among slaughtered carabaos (Bubalus bubalis) in the Municipality of Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines

Abstract

Fasciola gigantica infection remains one of the most economically important parasitic diseases affecting carabaos (Bubalus bubalis) in the Philippines, resulting in liver condemnation and substantial financial losses in the livestock industry. This study determined the prevalence of F. gigantica infection in slaughtered carabaos through postmortem liver examination and estimated the direct economic losses associated with liver condemnation in the Municipality of Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines. A cross-sectional abattoir survey was conducted over a one-month period involving 31 slaughtered carabaos subjected to routine meat inspection. Liver samples were examined macroscopically for the presence of adult F. gigantica, while data on sex, breed, and age were recorded. The overall prevalence of liver fluke infection was 48.39% (15/31). Male carabaos exhibited a higher prevalence (52.63%) than females (41.67%). Native carabaos showed a prevalence of 51.72%, whereas no infections were detected among the two Murrah animals examined. Age-specific analysis revealed the highest prevalence among animals aged 1–3 years (77.78%), followed by those aged 4–5 years (44.44%) and 6–10 years (30.77%), indicating greater susceptibility among younger animals. The 15 infected livers weighed a combined 79.6 kg, and with an average market value of ₱280.00 per kilogram, liver condemnation resulted in an estimated direct economic loss of ₱22,288.00 during the one-month study period. These findings demonstrate that fasciolosis remains a significant animal health and economic concern in Baggao, Cagayan, emphasizing the need for strengthened abattoir surveillance, strategic deworming, improved grazing management, and integrated parasite control programs to reduce disease prevalence and minimize economic losses.