Occurrence and Distribution of Fasciolosis in a Cohort of Ovine Livestock Restricted to a Mountain Plateau in Central Portugal.

Catarina Coelho,João R Mesquita,Helena Vala,Irina Amorim,Carmen Nóbrega,Fernando Esteves,Maria A Pereira,Rita Cruz

doi:10.3390/ani11123344

Abstract

Simple SummaryFasciola hepatica is a parasite that affects ruminants. This study evaluated the occurrence of fasciolosis in ovine livestock from central Portugal during a 2-year period. Positive animals were found in most locations and in both years (19.6% and 18.5% seropositive in the first year and second year, respectively). Correct anthelmintic treatment could further reduce egg elimination and pasture contamination.Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that is widespread in Europe, having been reported in ruminants of several European countries and causing an important economic impact. This study ascertained the occurrence and distribution of fasciolosis in Portuguese ovine livestock by assessing F. hepatica IgG antibodies in a cohort of confined sheep from a high-altitude region of central Portugal in a 2-year period. Positive animals were found in most locations and in both years, with 18 of the 92 animals (19.6% [95% confidence interval CI: 12.03–19.15]) and 17 of the same 92 animals (18.5% [95% CI: 11.15–27.93]) showing to be seropositive in the first year and second year, respectively (p = 0.85). Pasture contamination by F. hepatica eggs could be reduced by thorough anthelmintic treatments.

Highlights

This study considered sheep from the Serra da Estrela breed, a local autochthonous breed, to best mirror the circulation of F. hepatica
Screening for F. hepatica IgG antibodies revealed that positive animals were found in most locations and in both years
Subacute fasciolosis in sheep is a worthy cause of poor reproductive performance and is associated with high rates of non-pregnancy, reduced twinning rates and prolonged lambing periods [19]

Summary

Introduction

Zoonotic foodborne trematodiases (ZFTs) are caused by species of the genera Clonorchis, Opisthorchis, Paragonimus and Fasciola, known to cause up to 7000 deaths and 200,000 morbidity cases each year, with an estimated 2 million disability-adjusted life-years worldwide [1]. Among these ZFTs, Fasciola spp. parasites pose an important impact in herbivores and occur in humans. This typically occurs in human hyperendemic zones such as the Bolivian Altiplano, where human prevalences are sufficient and maintained over time; egg fecal shedding in humans is sufficiently high and shed eggs are proved to be viable [7,8,9]

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