Prevalence of Liver Trematodes in Sheep and Goats Slaughtered in the Siirt Province Slaughterhouse

Liver trematodes are parasites that adversely affect animal health and cause reduced productivity in ruminants in endemic areas. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of liver trematodes in sheep and goats slaughtered in Siirt, where small ruminant breeding is widely practiced.

This study was conducted between January 1 and May 15, 2025. Fecal samples collected from animals before slaughter at the Siirt province slaughterhouse were evaluated using the sedimentation method. In addition, the livers, bile ducts, and gallbladders of the slaughtered animals were examined macroscopically for adult parasites.

At the slaughterhouse, fecal samples collected before slaughter Fasciola spp. in 14.4% of 195 sheep, and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (D. dendriticum) eggs in 4.1; in 237 goats, Fasciola spp. was found in 9.7% and D. dendriticum eggs in 3%. In the 195 sheep that underwent liver examination after slaughter, Fasciola hepatica (F. hepatica) was found in 22.1%, D. dendriticum was found in 9.7%; and in 237 goats, F. hepatica was found in 15.6% and D. dendriticum adults were found in 4.2%. No statistically significant difference was found between breeds and trematode positivity in sheep. Similarly, no significant difference was found between age groups and the frequency of trematode occurrence in sheep and goat.

In this study conducted in Siirt province, the liver fluke infection rates we determined in sheep and goats indicate the need to combat these parasites. To prevent productivity losses and deaths in animals due to this infection, those involved in livestock farming need to be informed about this issue. Furthermore, it is crucial that animals are periodically examined and treated before being released into pasture.