Fasciola hepatica in Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste: The prevalence and risk factors associate with it
Abstract
Objective: Fasciola hepatica caused a disease called Fascioliasis. It is a zoonotic disease infects both animals and human. The objective of this research was know the prevalence of F. hepatica in buffaloes in Timor-Leste and to know risk factors associate with the prevalence.
Methods: The method used in this study was multistage random sampling for sites selection and purposive sampling for samples collection. In total there were 486 samples collected from 6 villages from 3 municipalities representing 3 regions (East, central, and west) in Timor-Leste. Samples were collected directly from rectum. The samples were examined using sedimentation method at National Veterinary Laboratory and National Quarantine and Biosecurity laboratory.
Results: The laboratory results indicated that the prevalence of F. hepatica was 17.1% (13.8-20.7%). However, the prevalence of Fasciola hepatica varies according to the municipalities. The Municipality of Manufahi had the highest rate with the prevalence of 25.3% (18.8-32.7), followed by Bobonaro and Baucau with 14.8% (9.7-21.2) and 11.1% (6.7-17.0), respectively. Factors influenced the prevalence F. hepatica identified were: age of the animals, the presence of snails, breeding systems, and body condition scores
Conclusions: According to the study's findings, Fasciola hepatica worms have infected buffaloes in Timor-Leste. It is advised that research on this worm in humans be done as well as animal treatment.