Abstract
SUMMARY The results of an abattoir survey carried out between 1972 and 1975 confirm that Fasciola gigantica is the important liver fluke in Kenya although F. hepatica is sometimes found. The national loss resulting from fluke-infected livers being unfit for human consumption is currently estimated at K£120 000 (£160 000 sterling) annually. The markedly reduced weight gains described in cattle with sub-clinical fascioliasis both under grazing and intensive high quality feeding give an indication of the total losses caused by F. gigantica infection. The seasonal populations of the intermediate snail host Lymnea natalensis were studied over a 20-month period in an impounded water body in Western Kenya and were found to peak during the rainy season. Infected snails capable of shedding cercariae were found throughout the year. Reductions in the pH of the water were associated with the death of large numbers of snails. A split dosage treatment of the dam with N-tritylmorpholine (Frescon: Shell Chemicals Ltd., Sittingbourne, Kent, England) eradicated L. natalensis for 11 months, before reinfestation occurred. This was controlled by three further treatments to a small area and was effective for at least another year. It is considered feasible to eradicate L. natalensis in such a situation and it is recommended that the application of molluscicide is carried out when the water level is at its maximum.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
