Rumen (Calicophoron/Paramphistomum spp.) and Liver Flukes (Fasciola hepatica) in Cattle—Prevalence, Distribution, and Impact of Management Factors in Germany

Abstract

Simple SummaryParamphistomidosis is a parasitic disease of ruminants caused by so-called rumen flukes. To determine the current prevalence in German cattle, faecal samples from 614 herds were examined for parasite eggs. In addition, the occurring rumen fluke species were determined, resulting in Calicophoron daubneyi and Paramphistomum leydeni. In the course of the work, the occurrence of the common liver fluke, causing fasciolosis, was also documented. Rumen fluke eggs could be detected in 5.5% of German cattle farms, liver flukes in 9.5%. In 2.1% of the farms, both fluke types occurred. Regional differences between northern and southern Germany were detected. Cattle grazing and fed with fresh grass were more likely to be infected with rumen and liver flukes than cattle without such access. Cattle from organic farms were also more likely to have fluke infections than those from conventional farms, in suckler cows, however, this association only applied to rumen flukes.This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of rumen flukes on German cattle farms via the sedimentation technique, and to identify the rumen fluke species occurring in Germany. Additionally, the prevalence of patent Fasciola hepatica infections was determined. Furthermore, a short questionnaire was answered by the farmers. A prevalence of 5.5% and 9.5% was detected for rumen flukes and liver flukes, respectively. Coinfections occurred on 2.1% of farms. In northern Germany, the rumen fluke prevalence was higher than in southern Germany, while for liver fluke the distribution was reversed. Rumen flukes were mostly identified as Calicophoron daubneyi, but in four cases, sequencing revealed Paramphistomum leydeni for the first time in Germany. Grazing and feeding of fresh grass, as well as organic farming, were significantly associated with rumen and liver fluke occurrence. In contrast, suckler cow husbandry only had an influence on the occurrence of rumen flukes, but not liver flukes. Trematode eggs could be detected in both, farms with and without deworming. Since there were only a few studies about Paramphistomidosis in Germany, more attention should be paid to these parasitic diseases for animal welfare and animal health reasons.