The study was carried out from October 2013 to April 2014 on a total of 415 local breed bovine cattle slaughtered in Bishoftu Elfora export abattoir, south east of Addis Ababa with the aim of determining the prevalence of bovine fasciolosis, evaluation of judgment enforced on the infested livers and assessment of financial losses due to the condemned livers. Among 415 slaughtered cattle, 91 (21.9%) were found to be positive for fasciolosis on post mortem examination. Fasciola hepatica was the foremost fluke identified, 48 (52.7%) followed by mixed flukes infestation 24 (26.4%), Fasciola gigantica 11 (12.1%) and livers were infested with unidentified immature flukes, 8 (8.7%). Regarding the severity of liver damage, 44 (48.4%), 25 (27.5%) and 22 (24.2%) livers were moderately, lightly and severely affected, respectively. From total of 91 fluke positive cattle, 67 were also positive for fasciola egg on fecal examination for the respective animal. The prevalence of bovine fasciolosis was significantly affected by age, body condition score and sources of the animals affected (P<0.05). From 349 animals in the age category >5years, only 26 (7.44%) were positive for fasciolosis, from 61 animals between 3-5years, 60 (98.3%) were positive and all the 5 animals <3years of age were found to be fasciolosis positive. From 347 animals categorized under good body condition, 35 (10%) were positive for fasciolosis, from 43 animals with medium body condition 33 (76%) were positive while from 25 animals with poor body condition 23 (89%) were fasciolosis positive. There was a very serious judgment procedure in Bishoftu El-fora export abattoir which subjects all the infested livers to total condemnation during the study period. The direct financial loss incurred during the study period was estimated to be 11, 375.00 ETB. In conclusion, the significant infestation in the animals causing liver damage and direct financial loss due to the condemnation of infected livers in the dry season makes fasciolosis to deserve a greater emphasis and a proper control and prevention measures.

Keywords: Bishoftu, Cattle, Fasciolosis, Liver, Financial Loss, Prevalence