Livestock and Animal Research, Vol 23, No 1 (2025)

Fasciola hepatica in Republic Democratic of Timor-Leste: The prevalence and risk factors associate with it

Acacio Cardoso Amaral, Joana da Costa Freitas, Rui Daniel de Carvalho, Lindalva Maria Jeronimo Viana, Ana Maria da Costa Goncalves Noronha, Abilio da Silva Guterres

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.