Geographical Mapping of Liver Fluke (Fasciola hepatica) Prevalence through Snail Sampling in Mayantoc, Tarlac
Abstract
The livestock industry continues to face challenges that hinder growth and productivity, with fasciolosis remaining a significant parasitic disease of concern. Fasciolosis, caused by Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica, impairs the health, productivity, and reproductive performance of ruminant animals such as cattle, goats, and sheep. This study was conducted to detect Fasciola DNA in snail intermediate hosts and to map potential infestations in goats within selected barangays of Mayantoc, Tarlac. Laboratory techniques employed included DNA extraction, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using Cathepsin B primers, and GIS-based interpolation mapping. Snail samples from selected sites were pulverized, homogenized with extraction reagents, and incubated in LAMP tubes, with positive results indicated by a distinct color change. Surprisingly, no detectable Fasciola DNA was identified in snail samples collected from different barangays. This result may be attributed to effective deworming programs, both oral and injectable, initiated by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Mayantoc. The study further explored the demographic profile, knowledge, and practices of 35 smallhold ruminant farmers in the municipality. Results revealed reliance on tethering, limited awareness of fasciolosis, and minimal preventive strategies despite ongoing animal health campaigns. GIS interpolation maps highlighted variations in barangay elevations, providing useful insights into the role of topography in parasite transmission. Collectively, findings confirm that Mayantoc remains liver fluke-free, reinforcing its suitability for ruminant production while underscoring the importance of sustained farmer education and surveillance.
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Introduction
Goats play an important role in the rural economy of the Philippines. They are essential for development because they can convert fodder, crops, and household waste into meat, fiber, hides, and milk, contributing significantly to the nutrition of the rural poor. As tangible financial assets, goat product consumption and sales enhance households’ economic stability during crop failures. However, despite its potential, the growth and development of this industry have remained low in the past decades.
Fasciolosis is one of the most widespread and most dangerous parasitic diseases in ruminant farms. These are caused by parasitic flatworms (liver fluke), which pose a serious threat to ruminant animals like goats, cattle, and sheep. The life cycle of liver flukes involves two main hosts: snails and ruminants. The parasites start by infecting snails, where they multiply and develop. The infected snails then release larvae into the water, eventually attaching to plants or floating free. When ruminants consume these contaminated plants or water, the larvae migrate to their liver and mature into adult flukes. This stage of the fluke’slife cycle is particularly harmful to ruminants, as the parasites cause severe liver damage, leading to symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, reduced growth rates, and lower birth rates. Infected animals also suffer from inefficient feed conversion and compromised quality of milk, meat, and fiber, which can even lead to death. The presence of liver flukes significantly affects the overall health and productivity of ruminant animals, posing a significant challenge for farmers and the livestock industry. In this study, the researchers gathered and explored epidemiologic data that suggest high endemicity of Fasciola infection in goats and the risk factors independently associated with the parasite prevalence in Mayantoc, Tarlac. The study aimed to create a GIS map to easily visualize the geographic pattern of the intermediate host and Fasciola infection. The goal was to provide valuable information for developing future intervention strategies in Mayantoc, Tarlac, and its neighboring localities.
Conclusion
1. The study included 35 backyard farmers (19 men and 16 women), with 74.29% married, 22.86% single, and 2.86% widowed. Respondents ranged from 24 to 69 years old. The range of educational levels shows a clear trend: the majority, 48.57%, have attained primary education. Following this, secondary education accounts for 34.28%, while 14.29% have pursued college education. Only a small group, 2.86%, have no formal education. This distribution highlights the significant emphasis on primary education within the population. Farming experience showed 65.71% had 1-5 years, 25.71% had 5-10 years, 5.71% had 10-20 years, and 2.86% had over 30 years. All the respondents reported alack of awareness about liver fluke and its implications, indicating a critical need for targeted educational initiatives. The assessment highlighted a complete lack of knowledge among respondents regarding snail sampling, liver fluke-related activities, and seminars, with all 35 respondents indicating unawareness. Additionally, all respondents were unprepared regarding the transmission vectors of liver fluke, particularly the role of snails and environmental factors. 2. The assessment of management practices among ruminant smallhold farmers in Mayantoc, Tarlac, revealed that tethering is the predominant method used. This practice was prevalent in barangays such as Maniniog, Baybayaoas, San Jose, Mamonit, San Bartolome, Carabaon, Pob. Sur, Cubcub, Gayong Gayong, Gossood, Binbinaca, Pitombayog, Labney, and Nambalan. Tethering facilitates controlled grazing and movement of livestock, helping to manage grazing areas efficiently and prevent overgrazing. Additionally, specific areas within these barangays have been identified as suitable for different management systems based on the practices of the respondents. While tethering emerged as the most common method, practiced by 94.29% of respondents, only 5.71% from Mapandan utilized an extensive grazing system, which allows livestock to roam freely over larger areas. 3. Results on the Cathepsin B RT-LAMP test showed no presence of liver fluke in Mayantoc, Tarlac. Therefore, it can be said that Mayantoc is a liver fluke freetown in Tarlac and safe to raise ruminants.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST Authors declare no Conflict of Interest.
