MORPHOLOGICAL IDENTIFICATION OF FASCIOLA SPECIE IN KATSINA METROPOLIS

This study focused on the collection and analysis of adult Fasciola spp. worms from the livers of 20 cattle at the Katsina abbatoir. The Fasciola samples were collected in urine sample bottles and cleaned with PBS. They were then preserved in 70 percent alcohol, stained with Gower’s aceto-carmine, dehydrated in ethanol solutions, and finally mounted in neutral Canada balsam. The measurements used for the morphometric analysis were based on previous studies (Mufti et al., 2011). The statistical analyses, which included Student’s -test and one-way ANOVA, were used to compare the morphometric values between F. hepatica and F. gigantica. The results showed significant differences in body measurements, sucker morphology, cone dimensions, and anatomical distances. Fasciola gigantica generally had larger measurements in various aspects compared to Fasciola hepatica. The observed morphological differences between Fasciola gigantica and Fasciola hepatica are valuable for taxonomic identification. These variations could potentially indicate ecological adaptations and differences in response to treatments, which are crucial for developing disease control strategies. The study recommends the implementation of continuous monitoring of Fasciola infections in livestock, advancement of diagnostic methods for precise identification, and education of livestock owners and consumers about Fasciola infections and associated risks. It also suggests conducting further molecular studies with larger sample sizes and fostering collaboration among stakeholders for comprehensive Fasciola control strategies.