A Study into the Identity, Patterns of Infection and Potential Pathological Effects of Rumen Fluke and the Frequency of Co-Infections with Liver Fluke in Cattle and Sheep

Rumen fluke (RF) are trematode parasites that have increased in prevalence within European ruminant livestock since the 1990s. Morbidity and mortality can result from development of juvenile flukes duodenum, however, evidence for significant impacts adult rumen final host is equivocal. The presence Scotland had not previously been quantified, so purpose this study was to use historical coprological data collected between 2008 2018 at School Veterinary Medicine Glasgow evaluate frequency infection compare with liver fluke. This analysis showed 6.6% samples submitted, a substantial increase positive diagnoses 2016, following which equaled or slightly outnumbered those A prospective post-mortem examination also carried out determine cattle sheep, quantify burdens assess any pathological changes reticulorumen proximal duodenum associated infection. cases 26.9% (n = 18/67), majority (66.7%, n 12/18) less than 100 flukes. There no difference mean ruminal papillar density length animals without gross pathology observed reticulum. Examination provided consistent associations acute chronic inflammatory duodenum. All necropsy were identified by PCR sequencing as Calicophoron daubneyi.