FINANCIAL LOSSES CAUSED BY OVINE FASCIOLIASIS IN THE ETHIOPIAN HIGHLANDS

An estimate of the economic loss due to ovine fasciolosis in the Ethio pian highlands was made based on available data on mortality, weight l oss, reduced reproductive efficiency and liver condemnation at slaught er. The economic effects of fasciolosis were identified and models for estimating the financial loss presented. Ovine fasciolosis losses wer e estimated at 48.4 million Ethiopian Birr per year of which 46.5, 48. 8 and 4.7% were due to mortality, productivity (weight loss and reprod uctive wastage) and liver condemnation, respectively. These losses can be reduced substantially by fasciolosis control programmes that may i nclude the use of anthelmintics, grazing management and nutritional su pplementation.