Prevalencia de fasciola hepática en vobinos que pastan en las riveras del rio Rircay de San Fernando, Azuay

Abstract

This research aimed to determine the prevalence and parasite load of Fasciola hepatica in cattle that graze along the banks of the Rircay River in San Fernando; 100 experimental animals (cattle) from six months of age and older, all of them apparently healthy, were sampled every 85.2 meters of spacing. The variables evaluated mainly were the prevalence and parasitic load. The results obtained showed that on the banks of the Rircay river, there is a prevalence of 23% of this parasite; in addition, correlation factors were handled with the chi-square test with the following results of P associativity; race (0.043), age (0.264), height (0.918). Finally, this research is fundamental because the area studied is mainly involved in livestock farming, where the main income source is located, so this type of parasitic pathology has spread during the last few years, causing financial losses in livestock farms due to the incorrect handling of sanitary plans. In conclusion, there is a prevalence of Fasciola hepatica in cattle grazing on the banks of the Rircay River that flows through the San Fernando canton in the province of Azuay, and the presence of this parasite has affected milk and meat production, causing losses in livestock farming. Therefore, it is necessary and essential for small farmers to follow prevention and sanitation protocols to control parasites and provide animal welfare. Keywords: Prevalence, fascioliasis, helminths, zoonoses.